I am moving into a house which has a ten year old ceramic cook top stove. Are there certain types of pots and pans which should not be used?
Can I use my old pots and pans including my favorite cast iron skillit?

ellen
04/04/03

Hi, Kelle,

If I were you, I would start saving for my excellent new gas range ASAP. In the meantime, most pots except glass ones can be used, none of them heat up too well and the heat is even harder to regulate than an electric (can you tell I don't like to cook on them?) It IS OK as a giant crockpopt sort of thing...

Ellen

ellen
04/04/03

Here are basic points for using your smooth top oven:

Do not "slide" pots or pans around on the ceramic top, you must pick up the pots or pans and place them where you want them. Sliding them can cause cuts or scrapes on the glass.

Always use proper pan size for the cooking area you are using...to determine proper pan size, it would be the size of the pan compared to the size of the cooking area, always try to match the pan as close as possible to the size of the burner.

Never operate the cooking areas without having a pan on them.

Never allow a pan or pot to boil dry.

Always keep utensil handles turned inwards towards the stove, not outwards where they can be bumped.

Do not leave food or utensils in the oven during self cleaning cycle

NEVER COOK ON A BROKEN RANGE TOP, if your top is cracked or broken contact your service dept.
immediately.

Pans that have a uneven bottom or are warped or "grooved" do not work as well as smooth bottom pans, and will tend to cook slower and in a uneven manner.

renee
07/26/03

i have a new electric glass top range. i understand that the best pots to use are stainless steel with a flat bottom. The appliance store says I can use pots that have a flat disc like bottom. However, the salesperson in the cookware department says this is not correct. Many of todays pots do have this "disc-like" feature on the bottom. Can is use a pot with this flat bottom, no rimmed feature?

ellen
08/07/03

Renee,

The consumer service number in the warranty papers of your new range will tell you exactly what they recommend- this is outside my personal experience. Hope it works for you- Ellen

Danielle
09/18/03

I called the manufacturer (Amana) when I first purchased my smooth top range (4 years ago)they recommended Calphalon pans. I love them - they heat evenly, and are sturdy (not teflon coated) my only dislike is the weight of the pans. I wouldn't use anything else.

I love having a smooth top, I do agree with Ellen, that as far as cooking itself goes, the gas ranges are the best, but if you appreciate a clean range, with low fuss maintenaince - the smooth top is the way to go. Another tip on using them - never place something hot from the oven on top of it - it may crack.

RoxannaLostrocs@NETZERO.net
11/26/03

Glass pots and pans
I'm looking for pyrex cookware(pots and pans) about 8 years ago my husband had bought me a set. I need new ones. I can not find them anywhere. Can you help me?

Karenw2sweets@hotmail.com
12/12/03

I am becoming a slave to my new deluxe white ceramic top Frigidare range. Everytime I cook I have to clean the burners and sometimes they are really a mess. I use the special cleaner recommended but it's a huge job getting them clean sometimes. I find myself getting our the old electric frying pan just to avoid having to clean the burners on the range. Is there something that I'm doing wrong? Any hints out there because my elbow grease has about run dry!

donnadeaster@canada.com
12/15/03

glass pots and pans
Hi!I'm looking for pyrex Glass Pots and pans.I got a set of those and i want to buy a new ones and i couldnt find it anywhere.I just wondering if you could help me?

karenw2sweets@hotmail.com
12/23/03

Donna and Roxanna, for Pyrex Cookware, especially the Visions glass pans, look on eBay. I just found 41 listings just typing Pyrex cookware into the search. I'm still looking for hints for maintaining my white ceramic top range..where is Heloise when I need her!

Dianedbeagle@moment.net
01/13/04

Hi.I'm having the same problem getting the right pots and pans.My husband is upset because I have the new black glass top range and have to use the electric fry pan to cook until I can find the correct cookware.Just as I think I've found the right brand,I read something that is confusing.Calphalon was suggested by someone on line,but there are so many types,I don't know which one is right.Not too many seem to actually say "smooth bottom",and I'm not certain what anodized cookware is.Can this be used without scratching the top? I really want the non-stick fry pans. Any help would be appreciated.Would really like brand names and types of correct cookware. Thanks

Mary S. HillMarylouisehill4@aol.com
01/15/04

Frigidare range with self-cleaning oven
When using the self-cleaning oven, scorch marks were left on the enamel finish. I tried a cleanser that was not abrasive and it won't get rid of the scorch marks. What will? Do you know?

Martyapart1@pacifier.com
01/26/04

Jenn-air Black Ceramic Glass Top Range. Wat a pain to clean! The burners get a ring around the outside of the heating area that is such a pain to clean. It is a one year old unit. I got a B&D scum buster to help me clean it every time it is used. My guy is so sick of me on his case cause he doesn't get it clean. I am constantly cleaning it with about 5 different brands of ceramic cooktop cleaners. This does not seem right. Too much work. Where's my old stove.

ellen
01/31/04

Life is too short. You can replace it for a few hundred dollars, MUCH cheaper than therapy or a divorce!

Jeanie Hansenjeanie@mathieu.org
02/04/04

I am about to replace my ceramic cooktop for the SECOND time! Made the mistake (twice) of using a cookware that has the copper sandwiched between stainless on the bottom. On med-high heat the copper melted and bonded to the cooktop. I love not having to clean drip pans below burners - but I am beginning to think I've made a huge mistake with ceramic top!
Like others, I am wondering what brand cookware to purchase.

Marie Giugnomag42@aol.com
02/09/04

We recently bought a Black ceramic top range and Ilove the appearance. However, I can't seem to get it clean with just soap and water. It always seems to have a brownish film on the burner when I am done cooking and I have to use the special cream to try to get it clean. I rub and rub and I get most of it out, but not all. Is there a regular household cleanser I can use without scratching the surface to clean it or must I always use the cream made for it?

Carol Freemancfreeman@localnet.com
02/12/04

I just bought "Emerilware" (set of 10 pieces). However, someone just mentioned today that I cannot use a pan with copper in it on my glass top stove. Emerilware has a triple-thick bottom layer of stainless steel, aluminum and copper center for optimum cooking performance.
Does anyone know anything about this?

Terridasher74@aol.com
02/15/04

My ceramic cook top is 3 years old...I have similar problems cleaning it, and finding cookware. I bought one Revere ware pot to "test it " before I bought the whole set. It has the disc bottom and is made of aluminum. The sales person said it was new and she didnt know how it would work on ceramic. So far, I like it. One hint she gave me was to NEVER put a hot pot into the sink and run water in it...will easily warp the bottom. I usually leave it on the stove and pour a cup of hot water in it to start loosening any stuck on food. Am now looking for the full set online, but I can't seem to find it. Havent seen it in the stores.

Angie Scottpanma@usa.net
02/19/04

I have had my range about 6 months, and I really like it. (By the way, I use Analon cookware and it works great!) Per my instructions, I never clean the glass range top with anything but the cream cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. However, my husband insists on cleaning it with soap and water and wants to know how soap and water can hurt it. Does anyone know?

Barblongislandmom4@aol.com
02/23/04

Just bought a frigidaire smooth top range, and having problems cleaning it after only using it twice!After reading what you people have to say on here about them, i am wondering if they will take it back!! lol...Ellen,along with a couple of spots that won't come out, are some "boiled over" water spots.is there ant way to get rid of these spots? Thank You in advance

Lanalplord@fone.net
02/26/04

I just love my GE cooktop. Have not ever had a problem cleaning it. Just use the cream type cleaner, I get it at walmart.It's called Weiman's cook top cleaner. Wipe it on and wait a minuite and wipe of with a papertowel. To get off the stuck on stuff the cream does't remove I use a razor blade scraper and gently move over the spot. Sometimes I have to use a little pressure, but it comes out beutiful every time. I am having a problem thought finding cookware that works well. I have been told not to use cast Iron, so I keep a hot plate handy for that.

RoxannaLostrocs@Netzero.net
02/29/04

Karen
Have you tried Bon ami cleanser on your stove top? It's been around since 1886 and it's not a harsh cleaner. I use it on ceramic bake ware that is badly scorched or burnt.

garryseiger@adelphia.net
03/18/04

how much is it to replace a flat top?

Rachelmadpenpal1955@yahoo.com
04/06/04

We will be moving the 1st of May to a (lease) home with a glass top range. I have looked at a lot of cookware sites and rarely could find products that stated they could be used on this appliance. What I did find was a lot that said, "NOT FOR USE WITH..."
This group has provided me with many of the questions I had.
Now, I just have to find out if my OLD (about 20 years) Farberware has copper in the layers.

ellen
04/06/04

As far as I know, the problems with soap and water cleaning are, that it doesn't work too well, and also, making sure you get every speck of the soap off before heating. Otherwise, you get a really hard to remove burnt in scum...

Sandysfclark73@aol.com
04/22/04

I love my smooth top range, I have the cooks essentials hard annodized cookware, they cook evenly and heat up quickly. The only problem I have, is that 3 of the burners have a brown ring on the outside edge, I can't get it off.

ellen
04/22/04

I haven't tried this, but it occurs to me that putting on a layer of whitening toothpaste, cover with a damp towel and rub off in the morning, might take the brown mark off. It worked on the formica in my bathroom...

Rosannrosiereds_2000@yahoo.com
04/28/04

I am moving to Redmond, WA and I'll have a smooth-top range for the first time in my life, having always cooked on a gas stove. I'm about to buy new pots and pans, and I was looking at Emerilware, but I wonder if this is the best kind to buy. I'm sure Calphalon pans are wonderful, but they are frightfully expensive and I'm trying to live in the real world. Can anybody give me some advice on this? Thanks!

ellen
04/29/04

The least expensive source for new caphalon that I know of, is the "Tuesday Morning" close out chain. Half off or more. Maybe you could get one or two pieces for your own housewarming present- Ellen

lindabigbarlake@hotmail.com
05/01/04

I have a Maytag black ceramic electric range. The inside (middle) of my burners are turning white. Does anyone else have this problem.

JaniceJoeJan@aol.com
05/01/04

ceramic cook top burn stain
I made a big mistake this week. I allowed a pot of beans to boil dry on my ceramic range top. I have not been able to clean the eye. The eye has a black colr and now it has an ugly gray stain on it. Is there any way to restore it to its natural color?

Anner.bleskie@sympatico.ca
05/02/04

I just purchased a new ceramic top stove by Frigidare. What type of glaseware can I use on top of the burners. Also how do you get the brown rings off after using it.

Davidbdpeters@bright.net
05/03/04

I receive a steady stream of complaints from my lady, a serious cook, about my black glass electric cooktop. The surging of the burner (on and off)as it heats causes her fits and many burned sauces, etc. I don't have the problems she has, but I wonder if there has been an improvement since 1996 in this area, or if our new Cuisinart cookware is the culprit. It may have a copper lamination in the bottom.

Mary Waldropmpdw2@wmconnect.com
05/06/04

My Frigidaire smooth top is 30 yrs. old and the top is now getting "burned" look. What can I use to clean/restore the "white" again?

ellen
05/09/04

Mary, your cooktop has already outlasted the usual top by more than double. You may want to start saving for your new top.

Sara
05/10/04

I just want to share some advice with everyone who has a ceramic top stove. In my quest to find out how to clean mine, I was advised to use vinegar to maintain the shine and get off tough water spots and rings. I tried it and so far it works great. I still use the recommended cream cleanser on a daily basis. I just use the vinegar once or twice a week to give it a boost. Hope this helps some of you.

Anita LaRosaanita0357@msn.com
05/12/04

I just got my Kenmore smooth top range today. Before I even turn it on any suggestions?I am so confused on the cookware..what to buy?

audrey cookecookecstl@ime.net
05/19/04

I'm about to get a new ceramic top range, but my cookware is 'good old revere' (50 yrs. old)
and I've been told that copper bottoms is a no-no.....???? or my old favorite cast iron fry pan that nothing ever sticks to???? Must I learn to cook all over again???
Maybe I should stick to a coil stove, or now learn to cook on gas??

Bill
05/24/04

How do I convince my wife that gas is the way to go and that is not a safty hazard. She wants a class top it sounds like that might be a big mistake?

ellen
05/24/04

Bill,
Do you have gas for anything else such as the water heater? The newest gas stoves have electronic ignitions, so there is no open gas pilot, which makes them even safer than the water heaters!
As far as cooking, a gas stove top is the very best for heat control, etc. It really has the best and fastest heat regulation. If your wife has never cooked on gas, consider renting a vacation cabin for a week that has a gas range; it will speak for itself!
Fire is just as likely the electric or ceramic. As you can see from this thread, you become a cleaning slave to a cerramic cook top- Ellen

Marympdw2@wmconnect.com
05/28/04

Sara,
Thanks so much for the vinegar tip as I have tried it twice and the "eyes" are much lighter! They look almost as good as the back 2 (which have used only rarely.

Very good hint.

Charlayne
06/15/04

I just got a Whirlpool Glass top range and was looking through the book. Got confused about what cookware so I called Whirlpool customer service. They said anything but glass pots and pans. They even said copper is fine as long as it is smooth bottomed? (I have copper disc Revere cookware that I just love and don't want to have to get rid of it but have read in places on this site that copper can melt and ruin the glass top) So, what to do? Whirlpool says ok but then, it is my money if they are wrong.

Any suggestions/brands of cookware please!
Thanks
Charlayne

ellen
06/16/04

You write them a letter, keep a copy, in wehich you say I called and asked about x, your rep said this is appropriate under my warranty on model 123. If this information is incorrect or incomplete please reply by return mail. Unless I hear from you, I will be doing x.

Then if something goes wrong, you can small claims them under your warranty. Then it is their money!

Writing a memo like this where a phone call is the only contact you have had is ALWAYS wise.

Shirleypanessa@adelphia.net
06/16/04

Help..I boiled over a pot on my glass top, forgot it & it burned right into the glass. Is there any way of removing this stain? I have used the recommended glass cleaner which hasn't touched it.

Gretagcwcpa@charter.net
06/16/04

My new Kenmore Ceramic Top was delivered today.
The directions told me to wash the top with the cleaner before the first use. I wonder if this protects the finish in anyway and makes cleanup easier. The first time I used it, water boiled over onto the surface leaving those brown rings. Once cooled, I used more cleaner and it did clean right up. I have All-Clad stainless cookware and some pots are flat and sit proper on the cooktop while others seem ever so slightly warped, and that make them almost unusable.

My cookware was a gift from my in-laws and was very expensive for them to buy and I cannot believe I'm going to have to stop using these over this relatively 'inexpensive' cooktop.

Help!

sonali
07/01/04

I have frigidare ceramic cooktop. the coating of one of the cooking surface has come off. can someone tell me how to restore it?

ellen
07/01/04

Dear Shirley, Greta and sonali, I am so sorry to hear about you disasters but can only suggest asking the manufacturers about repairs. These issues are part of life with ceramic cook tops (have I mentioned how responsive GAS burners are?)

sonali, I have been told the stovetop should not be used if even one of the burners is exposed.

Here is a hint for the needy about not boiling dry. Specialty kitchen stores have glass pot watchers or special glass marbles, you put them in and if the water boils away, they clatter before it is completely gone. It might nbe wirth it to prevent warped pots and melted burners.

sandy
07/12/04

White smooth cook top ususally cleans up ok. after a little hard pressure and a soft dishrag, but now have what looks like a scorch ( kinda grey on the out side of one of the rings)kinda resembles a thumb print. the surface is smooth and the stain refuses to budge.) what happened? I am very methodical about cleaning after each use and until now have had no problems or incidents.( use the recomended cleaner) Stain seems here to stay and appliance is pretty new. Noticed the white is starting to look a little grey in spots all over..is it my pans?
Bought this house with whirlpool appliances...
old owners left all warranty stuff for me.......is the 5 year warranty still good for me? Help don't like the big ugly spot! Nobody seems to know what kind of pans to buy and not excited about having to dump my old set.Are the warranties transferrable? Got a whole kitchen full of them.

daphnepnwdaphnepnw@comcast.net
07/12/04

Our black ceramic cooktop is just over 7 yrs old and today when we turned on the back burner to HI the cooktop cracked diagonally.
I'd like to know if someone has information on where to start looking for a replacement and also an idea of the cost factor.
Thanks

Julieibookgrrl@yahoo.com
07/21/04

Hi,

I just got a new Amana smooth top range delivered today (Weds.) On Saturday, I had bought myself an All Clad double griddle. But now I find that I am not supposed to use pans that are bigger than the burner size. Plus, the griddle has kind of a raised middle part -- definitely not flat!

What should I do?

ellen
07/23/04

I am not familiar with the griddle. The reason for the pot-size rule is, the hot utensil resting on the non-burner part can discolor it- see ALL the cleaning complaints above. So you have to decide about what you will tolerste in the appearance department... or buy yourself a nice plug in double size nonstick electric griddle...

Davidzionx432@hotmail.com
07/25/04

Wow, I wish I had read all the cleaning complaints before I had bought the glass electric cooktop. I stumbled on this forum because I too was becomming a slave to the cleaning process. I was hoping to find some magic cookware that would prevent the markings from forming while cooking. Anyway, I have not come accross any postings that are clear on exactly what cookware to buy. If you have a make, model and location of purchase please let me know.

For now I will just keep cleaning; however, I would like to share my lastest experience. I cleaned my cooktop about 1 week ago. All four burner had stuff stuck on them. It took about an hour of polishing and resulted in a hugh blister on my finger. I cleaned it again today and it only took 5 minutes. The difference is I went down to the hardware store, looked for a buffing pad that resembled my finger, found a felt tip dremel attachment, bought it, came home and clean the stove. It worked great. Not ever expiermented with this before, I used the slowest speed and proceded with caution. I will advise to cover your contact area by cuping your free hand over the tip. The polish will splatter and it is much faster to clean off your hand than the tile, spice rack, knife rack, etc. I don't know if I will reuse the tip, since it now will have dried polish on it. But they are cheap and I think I'll just keep a dozen in stock. Good luck.

ellen
07/26/04

Hi, David,

Thanks for sharing the creative cleaning idea! For my non-handy readers, a Dremel is a small hand drill/ tool for jewelry making and for fine woodworking and model building, sort of like the drill your dentist uses. It comes with LOTS of interchangeable tips for drilling, buffing, etc.

I wonder if a plastic container could have a hole cut in it and be used to make the skirt or cup to catch the flying polish?

One of our readers above has had success with the Analon flat bottom pots and pans.

ellen
07/26/04

Sandy

Most major appliances that are built in, have the warranty that transfers to the new owner if the house is sold. If you have the paperwork on the appliances it will probably tell you. If you know where they were purchased, the sellers might be able to help. Or you can call the manufacturer, but you may have to be persisitent and keep calling back until someone helps. (Don't take no for an answer and keep track of who you called and what they said.)

Also, many home sales have an insurance coverage, sort of like the lemon law for cars, that covers hidden problems with plumbing, appliances etc - this depends on your state and your mortgage/ title company.

Ruffianlittlek@culver.org
07/31/04

I am in the market for a new stove and was sold on the ceramic cook top but after reading all these 'tough to clean' stories, I am no longer sure about getting one.

I have 2 questions, is there any brand that you would NOT recommend and is the black colored ceramic easier to keep clean than the white top?

ellen
08/01/04

They are a cleaning challenge, both colors have disadventages. But if you really like to cook, they are a cooking challenge! No more stir fries, etc.

Please borrow a kitchen with one and try it before you buy. Ellen

Jon
08/02/04

I have had a Frigidaire cooktop for 2 years now and it can be a pain to clean some times. Though I wouldnt trade it for my old coil top electric or my previous gas top.

The bigest advantage is that after all the hard work to clean it, it actually looks clean. Every time. I'm pretty lazy so I dont clean it as regularaly as I should. When I do become a slave to the cooktop it looks good. All the time. When I dont I am rewarded with burnt on rings and lots of elbo grease.

There is not magic bullet, but I have found some cleaners work better on some things than others, so I try a few on my problem areas. Some times the only option is to try something a little more abrasive or a razor blade, I havent managed to damage mine yet.

If you want to save yourself a lot of work just make sure that when you do have boil overs or other spills that you clean it up as soon as you are done and it is cool enough to touch.

Laurencejacobs@costbook.com
08/03/04

My wife, fed up with cleaning under the electric coils on our cooktop and having the burners not spring back to make a flat surface, has decided on a ceramic top to replace it.

After reading all the cleaning tales, I wonder if this is the best choice after all.

We have gas connections, so that option is open. But she just loves the look of those shiny new, unstained, smooth cooktops, and thinks that's how it'll be forever.

Is cleaning them really that bad? My wife boils food over the saucepan all the time, which is why she's so often trying to clean under the burners. She thinks the new smooth cooktop will mean just mopping up, like on the countertop. Not really so?

Any advice before we spend some big bucks getting one?

Laurence

ellen
08/04/04

What the reader just above said, applies 200% to your situation. If your chief cook boils over all the time, s/he is using too small or thin/cheap of pots and/or too high of heat. You will probably have to buy new pots anyway if you get a ceramic, so why not try buying the pots first? Get skillets 10" or more across, preferable the deeper ones that are becoming available now, which look a little like a wok. Smallest saucepan at least 2 quarts (3 is better) and heavy- all the little aluminum pans that wouldn't hurt if you got beaned with them, are not really fit for serious cooking. IMO, of course.

Electric ranges really do heat up twice as fast on high, but you should turn them down to medium before you put the pan on- Or if you are really trying to do temp, turn one on to medium and the other to hiogh and move the pan to medium as soon as it begins to simmer.

As many years as I have ben cooking, I flipped a whole egg out of a (too small frying pan just last week of course it broke and ran straight into the drip pan and on down into the mysterious nether regions of the range. No fun on the clean up.

Sharon
08/05/04

I have had a GE ceramic cook top for several yeas that I love. Cleanup is a breeze with Weiman's cleamer, and a razor blade. This can be purchased at Wal-Mart. I noticed Lana, 2/26/04 also has a GE that she loves. Maybe the problem the other people are having is because of the brand they bought. I really have cooked on them all and would not have anything else at this point. I have not gone out and bought fancy or expensive pots either. Am using what i have and replacing them as I need.

Ron
08/05/04

Have a 2 year old Kenmore w/cer cooktop. Front large burner is already coming through surface. Can feel burner. The oven also allows steam/water up through back surface in front of control panel pooling onto surface which can cause problems with cook surface on rear left burner. This same problem has caused finish problems with the panel just underneath - I wiped the other day and the paint has come away to expose immediate surface, I'm suposing it will rust now. The surrounding area is quite rough to touch and will scrape away easily with just a push of a thumb. Called Sears about all this today and they say that the one year warranty is over and that I can buy an extended for "cosmetic"; I asked if that included the top surface wearing through (top burners worn through the surface just from cleaning) and they replied as long as the stove continued to work it was cosmetic. Humph . . . How long should I continue to use the surface until something happens? Would it then be a safety problem?

Love the cleanability of the product, but maybe one shouldn't use it. Also noticed a reduced amount of heat when needed, always had used electric coils before. We don't have gas here so that option doesn't work unless I have propane delivered.

Had a stove prior, not even an option these days to buy, but lasted until now, 1975. This one acts as though it may be booted out within 3 years. I'm not impressed!!!! So unimpressed that I'll probably buy a $200 electric coil unit next time assuming that all are poorly made! I'll just keep replacing with least costly because they all are poorly made.

Hmmm, maybe quality assurance areas have been cut due to economics. Watch the food you buy intensely - now would be a good time to pay attention.

Leslie
08/10/04

Well, we just moved into a house that has a ceramic/glass top. And let me tell you, I absolutely despise the stovetop - so does my husband. Out of the 22 pots and pans we have - all calphalon or Mauviel (very expensive copper that we received as wedding gifts last year) - only 5 or 6 will FIT the burner size. I think that is LUDICROUS. I will NOT dump my cookware just because some engineering twit decided this was how it's going to work.

I used to be a software quality engineer and I always went after engineers who decided they knew better and force the customers to bend to their demand. We need to be more demanding as customers and tell GE and other manufacturers of ceramic/glass stovetops off when they say you must use this size pan of this type of material, smooth bottom, blah de blah. LUDICROUS!!!! Don't put up with it!

As for the cleaning, we haven't had any problems.... YET.

Anyone know how to override the stupid software in the product that shuts the burner off every time you take the pan off the heat?

Even though we might be moving in a few months AGAIN because of a lucrative job offer, we are considering putting an ad in the paper to get rid of it and buy a real electric range.

jojoettemorden@yahoo.com
08/10/04

Some friends were using our Lake Home for a week and afterwards when I went there was a scorch mark on the New (3 yrs. old) formica countertop. It is about the size of a coffee cup (circular). They swear they didn't do it, and I hate to have them pay to replace the entire section. Does anyone know what I can do to reduce the appearance of this? I had my husband try "Mr. Eraser" but he was quite gentle and I don't see any improvement. The countertop is multi-colored beige and white.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks.

Audreyaseibertrn@hotmail.com
08/11/04

when I use the self-cleaning oven it leaves scorch marks on the enamel between the oven door and cooktop. What can I do to remove them? Thanks.

Ronronjack@shaw.ca
08/16/04

I don't know what some of you are doing to your cooktops. I have a Whirlpool ceramic top range that gets used every meal and is still in almost new condition. I used stainless steel pots with copper sandwich as well as Visions and cast iron.

I do not 'baby' this cooktop, or clean it as often as some people think I should, but when it comes to cleanup the following works well.

a. Use a good sharp razor type knife to scrape the majority of the spills off. No chipped blades, and they're so cheap you can toss them each use.

b. Use one of many cleaners designed for these tops to do a final clean/polish.

Only complaint - they heat up fast like gas, but take forever to cool down so don't use any more heat than necessary. (ie if the recipe says bring to a boil then simmer - move to a cooler element or remove from heat while letting it cool.) This will also reduce damaged pots and spills.

sue
08/17/04

my front burner of the ceramic top does not work and the indicator light stays on.
How do you repair the burners and has this ever happened to you.

kym
08/17/04

I use CERAMA BRYTE on my smooth top. It works perfectly and I still have no stains. We've had it now for almost 2 years. It also works great on bathtub stains!!! I purchased it at Lowe's.

Craig
08/20/04

I'm a gas guy, but been cooking on a smoothtop for a while now. Ditto Ron's suggestion. The stove is my Mother-in-Law's, and had horrible burn rings around each burner. I used cerama-brite and got as much as I could off, then took a wet sponge and soaked a ring overnight, and scrubbed a bit more. THEN I broke out the razor scraper and very carefully scraped the last of the crud from each of the burners. I found a spray can of ceramic cleaner at home depot (don't recall the name offhand, black label/cap though) and it reminds me of a normal oven cleaner product. Spray it on and it kinda foams up a bit. I hit the burners once a week with that spray and be sure to clean up any spills ASAP. Haven't had the razor out since I cleaned it originally, (3+ months ago). Since the new house we're building didn't offer gas as an option, we're going smoothtop and I'll be getting a case of the spray cans!

ellen
08/20/04

We are getting some great cleaning suggestions- thanks!

Sue, you cannot replace a single burner, and the manufacturers are pretty serious about NOT using a cooktop with a defective burner due to fire risk. If you are renting, the landlord needs t=po replace. Otherwise, please have your cooktop checked by a real repairperson- you may be able to disconnect and turn off the single burner. But you nee to repalce ASAP>

Bob
08/20/04

Can you use T-Fal on glass top stoves?

Karen
08/21/04

I have owned a Frigidaire black ceramic top range for almost two years, and have never had a problem cleaning it until recently. There is a spot on one of the burners that is discolored. It's the size of a thumbprint. The white specks (of the burner) are dark gray rather than white. I'm not sure what has caused this. I have not spilled any food onto the burner. Does anyone have a suggestion for removing this stain?

Barbarabar0329@yahoo.com
08/23/04

Does anyone out there know of anyone that makes a cover or mat, for the top of my "Glasstop" stove? I've checked everywhere, no luck. I just got this thing and after reading all of these comments, I wish I hadn't got it. I thought a mat,(I would like a silicone one), might save some scratches, wear & tear,etc., when it's not in use! I got a 7" silicone potholder from Betty Crocker.com, that I use under my spoon holder, but I would like a big one. Thanks

judijudifl@verizon.net
08/28/04

am moving shortly. i presently own a black ceramic top (my 2nd) and love it. i just ordered a ge convenction oven with white ceramic top. have a week to change my mind. is it any harder to keep clean than the black? have had no problem with the black and use aluminum clad pans that i bought in early 60's.

Barbarabar0329@yahoo.com
09/06/04

My sister-in-law has a white glass top and she said hers in yellowing and she can't get it to look bright and white again. I have a black top and I would never buy one again, but it's easier to clean since I tried Davids(7/25/04) suggestion and used my Dremel tool on it. Now clean up takes couple minutes instead of 1/2 hour. I will try anything that makes clean-up easier. As for cookwear, I've used my old stuff, everything from 1942 pressure cooker, Revere copper bottems, T-Fal and even Corning Ware. No problems yet.

Brendaramseybg@yahoo.com
09/08/04

Boy, what an eye opener. I just got my Frigidaire white glass top range. Most of my cookware is Chantal. Some of the pots are larger and some smaller than the ring. I have a 13" chantal pan - can I still use this? I am going in to Pacific Sales tomorrow and after reading all the wonderful input on this site, I think I am going to exchange it for a coil where I can use all my pots/pans and my cast iron! Comments?

Mary Loumlou1@airmail.net
09/09/04

I have a relatively new ceramic top stove and loathe it. Just for the reason's mentioned above. I purchased because I am on Oxygen and felt the gas (which I love) was too risky. I do clean my stove top after every meal and since I cook three meals a day, I am forever cleaning. This was not what Iwas led to beleive before purchasing. Take some of the advice above and think very long and hard before investing $1000 into a piece of equipment that will have you loosing your religion daily. Mary Lou

kathy
09/11/04

help i burned my tea pot paint right into my glass top ceramic stove burner finish...now there is a divet the size of a dime baked right in (looks like a scrambled egg)will i have to replace the whole stove top? threw the tea pot out got some gingo biloba

Bev
09/12/04

I really do not like cleaning these tops. The recommended cleaner does not help and I hesitate to use a razor..what are other options???

Donna
09/12/04

I have a six month old Frigdaire black ceramic top stove. I have been using Weiman Glass Cook top Cleaner (which was given to me as a sample with the stove) since day one. I have had spill overs, plastic burned on, and an occasional sliding pan, and it still looks brand new. I feel that by cleaning daily and immediately after it cools it leaves almost a protective finish. (I even clean it on the days I don't use it.) I've heard that there is a special cleaner especially for black tops. I have never it in stores. Is there such a cleaner?

Lori
09/13/04

I've been using a Maytag black ceramic cook top for over 2 years now, and it's been absolutely fantastic.

I've used cheap T-Fal pans, nice Calphalon pans, even made gravy in my huge roasting pan on top of the stove, and loved it. Temperature control doesn't seem to ben an issue. Heavy-bottomed pans (like the Calphalon ones) heat evenly and cook evenly. I've never given a thought to whether the pans are smooth or ridged. Ridged bottoms "hiss" a little but cook just fine.

Clean up is a breeze. I use a damp paper towel first to wipe up basic "crud," squirt on some ceramic cooktop cleaner (bought at WalMart) and wipe down the surface with another damp paper towel. Buff dry with a clean kitchen towel and it's done! Beautiful, clean, shiny . . . If there's a particularly stubborn spill, I use a damp nylon "scrubby" sponge (came with the range) and some extra cleasner to scrape up the spill, then clean as normal.

Compared to the *awful* chore of trying to keep the burner pans clean on my old electric coil range (even when they were wrapped in foil), I'll take the ceramic cooktop any day!

Jenna
09/14/04

So glad I stumbled onto this discussion when looking for information about ceramic smooth-top stoves! We've just moved into a home with one we know nothing about but the gray-ish burners, black background, and brand: Kenmore. No clue how old it is (looks older) and the model number's not visible. We've already discovered that we can't use the wok anymore, but are trying to adjust to what is for us a strange new stove. Any suggestions? Functions we need to test? Cleaners to use? What's this about coatings? All help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

Brendaramseybg@yahoo.com
09/14/04

Well I decided to KEEP my Frigidair ceramic-top stove. I have been using the Weimans cleaner and a friend said she uses "Barkeep's Friend". Another friend bought a razor and said her 20 year old cooktop looks like new. Yes, you do need to clean after every cooking session - I joke and say that I keep the stovetop cleaner than I kept my kid's asses when they were young!
I am successfully using my beloved Chantal Cookware and am anxious to try my Abelskiver pan one day. I am so anxious to clean I stand around waiting for the top to cool down. Thanks for all the input.

Lenleonard.getz@dy4.com
09/15/04

My wife does some canning. On the canner label is written, "do not use on a glass top range". Does anyone know of a canner that can be used on a glass top or am I going to have to buy a hot plate or something similar.

Susan
09/15/04

Okay... does anybody know if you REALLY have to replace the glass top if it cracks? We didn't know you couldn't can on one of these stoves, and came downstairs to find a big crack right across one of the burners. Is it a safety issue with the burners, or just a cutting hazard/cosmetic problem?
That's the most expensive jar of peaches I've ever come across.

Brendaramseybg@yahoo.com
09/15/04

Black/brown spots. Before I used my ceramic cooktop, I made sure all of my pans were meticulously clean. Seems like each time I cook something, the burner area is left with brown spots which can be cleaned up with the cleanser. Is perhaps the cleanser "burning" under the pan? Does this happen each and every time? I think I will clean the top with soapy water and see if that helps. Suggestion?

Jim
09/17/04

My 89 year old mother is getting ready to move into a new home with a supplied GE ceramic top stove. She prefers gas, but is used to electric, and is now concerned that she won't be able to use her beloved pressure cooker on this "new" type stove... Any comments from anyone? Thanks.

Barbarabar0329@yahoo.com
09/18/04

Jim;
I have a very heavy, old pressure from 1942 and I use it on my glass top with no problems. I found you can use just about anything but a cast iron skillet. Good luck.

ellen
09/19/04

Jim and others,

Remember there are very excellent hot plates that can be an appropriate supplement for people who have smooth tops. Get a good one (for example, at a restaurant supply store) and you can still have your wok, canner or pressure cooker without risking cracking your expensive smooth top.

Tildy
09/20/04

I just received a 1979 Amana 3 + 1 Cooking Center with microwave, white flat top stove, and self-cleaning oven. I used it a lot and cleaned up with Corningware cleaner as it is a Corningware surface. The whole thing is in mint condition except for a slight discoloration on the rear burner. The area above that burner, which is the underside of the microwave, has also apparently peeled from things boiling too much. I am SO tired of cleaning coil burners and drip pans that I am willing to give this a try. I figure my next stove will be a black flat top, maybe without the microwave above it. I've never had a gas stove and don't plan on it. Except for the burners on this one staying hot for a while, it seems to work fine. But then, it took burners on a standard electric a while to cool off, I just never stood around with my hand over them waiting. You MUST let the stove top cool off before attempting to clean, that is only common sense.

Alisaazollinger@forsgren.com
09/21/04

I have been using a ceramic stove top for two years without incident. However, after purchasing a pressure cooker, I am finding that my stove will not work for this type of cooking. Please advise.

coraleecoralee_jacobsen@hotmail.com
09/21/04

Hi. I understand from some of these comments, that if I get a flat top stove, I can't use my wok anymore. Can someone please tell me why this would be a problem? Thanks.

Ellen
09/22/04

These stoves heat by conduction- surfaces have to actually touch- so the true round bottom Wok doesn't touch. The whole burner keeps heating up the surface, no pot to pull away the heat, CRACK. Also, you can't get the wok hot enough fast enough to make a good stir fry plus the only way to reduce the heat is to take the pan off the burner- the burners don't cool down fast enough, either. Just as for the pressure cooker, you need to get a top quality electric or gas hot plate to supplement your smooth top if you want to keep wokking along..

coraleecoralee_jacobsen@hotmail.com
09/22/04

Ellen, thanks for your reply about the wok. My wok has a small flat bottom, not a rounded bottom. Would that work, or is it still not worth trying? By saying "crack" does that mean that the top can actually crack if it heats up without a pot on it?

ellen
09/23/04

If your flat place is very close to the size of the burner, you could try it, but if you really like Wok cooking you will probably want a hot plate.

Yes I do mean really crack, as in split the glass top and see bare electrical stuff (and then replacing the top, of course). Yes, heating without a pot can really crack it, so can setting a hot from the oven casserole on the room temp top, also, setting a very hot pan on a normal or unheated part of the stove top, or on a wet dish towel on the top. These tops are glass not metal.

Good luck.

Brendaramseybg@yahoo.com
09/28/04

I just love reading this site. I have come to terms with my new ceramic range and have decided that I "DO" like it. It is rather nice to have "controlled temperatures" while cooking. Another friend of mine has had hers for many years and DOES use her cast iron skillet on it, but cautiously. I made a little quilt to set over the top when it is not in use.

coraleecoralee_jacobsen@hotmail.com
10/01/04

Hi. I just wanted to let everyone know that not all flat top ranges are awful. My husband and I are looking at purchasing one. After reading all these comments I was pretty discouraged so I went and talked to people that I knew that owned flat top ranges. I got extremely positive comments from everyone! I was so relieved. I guess it is just important to use it properly (correct pots, correct heat, clean often etc.) I am still VERY glad that I came across this site since now I have a list of do's and dont's for flat tops. THANKS!

tracey
10/03/04

Does anyone know the cost of replacing a cracked glass cooktop and if it is possible to replace

Donna
10/04/04

My black smooth top frigidaire has a bridge element for griddle use. The problem I am having in finding a decent griddle to use on it. All I find are cheap pieces of crap or cast iron. Any suggestions??

ellen
10/08/04

Very good flat bottom aluminum griddles cost about $40-60.
http://search.atomz.com/search/?sp-q=griddle&Submit.x=54&Submit.y=9&sp-a=000613ee-sp00000000

Johnbeardjh@shaw.ca
10/09/04

We have a Maytag white ceramic cooktop range one month old. My wife used a a flat bottomed wok and it a left a large scorch mark on the cooktop plus a chunk the size of a thumbnail chipped out of the cooktop and melted to the bottom of the wok.
The range was purchased through Sears and they have now replaced the cooktop under warranty. The cost of the repair was 732.35. "Ouch"
The repairman said to use only good quality flat bottomed stainless steel cookware. His comment was that lower quality cookware with aluminum in the cooking surface tended to leave a film on the cook surface that is diffcult to remove.
The problem now what brands or cookware are recommended for these cooktops.

MadelaineMadelaine@jam.rr.com
10/09/04

I have a GE Profile - black smooth top - and LOVE-LOVE-LOVE it!!! I have found that Barkeepers Friend works great for major cleaning - follow up with a a "spritzing" of Armor All Auto Glass Cleaner (this stuff is AMAZING), and wipe up with Viva paper towels! When I bought the stove, I had an old set of Revereware. Thankfully the copper bottoms and the smooth top didn't like each other. My sister-in-law "sold" me on All-Clad, and I would not use anything else! Barkeepers Friend keeps All-Clad looking new, too!

I think the combination of the Armor All Auto Glass Cleaner and Viva paper towels is the secret! If you try it, I think you'll be pleasantly pleased!!!

Hope
10/10/04

White Frigidare ceramic cook top
I totally regret buying the white cooktop. It shows every single mark and is so hard to clean.

This may be impossible and a crazy question but is there anyway I could replace the white glass top with black from the manufacturer?

MadelaineMadelaine@jam.rr.com
10/10/04

Hope - You might try http://www.repairclinic.com - Under "Appliance Parts" click on "parts" and go from there - OR - check with Frigidare.

Ariel
10/10/04

About 14 + or - years ago we had a Gagganau ceramic black cooktop that I loved until my mother-in-law brought her rough-bottomed pot to make paella and dragged it back and forth dozens of times over the ceramic and scratched it up quite a bit.

Have moved around quite a bit and have had mostly electric coil top stoves with drip pans....and hate them with a passion.

Current GE stove (original in 20 yr old house we bought) only has 2 working burners, so I just purchased a Kenmore Elite black smoothtop-- as a replacement...but it hasn't been delivered or installed yet, so there is still time to change my mind. I chose black over white because I thought white would be too hard to keep clean-looking.

After reading these messages, I'm wondering if I should cancel my order and get a different type of stovetop. I have All-Clad pots and pans, and as wonderful as they are, I've probably warped them by pouring cold water into the hot pans in the sink in my rush to clean up....

Trying to decide what to do...I have about a month to decide before the delivery is made....

LOUISE
10/10/04

for all those who have those brown ugly rings on your glass cooktop. you can use a small utility razor knife and gently scratch off all the burned on food etc..hold it on a slant not up right or it will scratch the top. then clean with soap and water. i have had my stove for 3 years and love it....still

Hope
10/10/04

White Frigidare ceramic cook top
Thanks Madelaine I'll check it out!

Hope
10/10/04

White Frigidare ceramic cook top
went to repairclinic.com and they have the black top for $184.99 but the question is will someone come out and install it or will that void the warranty (and will it break my wallet)!

Hope
10/10/04

Ariel everyone I know who has a black glasstop loves them they are definately easier to keep clean than white. I love my glasstop I would never go to coil I just wish it was black instead of white. I went for the look instead of practicality. My mother in law has the Kenmore Elite and she loves it.

SUSAN
10/11/04

ellen could you tell me if i can use an aluminum expresso pot on my glasstop stove. i received one for my birthday and i am afraid to use it on my stove.

Dee
10/11/04

Broken glass cooktop: Does anyone know if it is possible to replace only the glass, rather than the entire cooktop? (If so, suggestions on where for Kenmore)

ellen
10/11/04

Re: aluminum

Pretty much all the suppliers agree NO aluminum directly against the glass cooktop, so use a hotplate for your Expresso pot. I got the free-standing electric Krups for this reason.

Re: replace cooktop

see the notes just above. Kenmore is a Sears brand, check there first.

SUSAN
10/11/04

ellen; thanks for the tip. maybe i can exchange it for an electric espresso pot instead.

Brenda
10/12/04

Black vs. white. I am sure that the same type of residue resides on the black cooktop - you just can't see it. I clean after every use, and yes, I will probably keep the cleaning company in business. I have the white with the very light gray centers. So far I am happy. Where can you purchase this Barkeeper's Friend? I have a couple friends who use it but I have not seen it around.

Sandy
10/12/04

After reading all the above....very confused!The glass top is very popular so it must not be that big a deal,simply have to get use to it like anything else ;at first it sounds complicated till you actually just use it. Do know I don't want to deal with coils ever again. Clean spills right away so clean up should not be a problem. Do wonder if the more expensive models clean easier or price makes no difference. Let me know as I plan on buying one soon.

Sandy
10/12/04

After reading all the above....very confused!The glass top is very popular so it must not be that big a deal,simply have to get use to it like anything else ;at first it sounds complicated till you actually just use it. Do know I don't want to deal with coils ever again. Clean spills right away so clean up should not be a problem. Do wonder if the more expensive models clean easier or price makes no difference. Let me know as I plan on buying one soon.

Madelaine
10/12/04

Brenda - I've been buying Barkeeper's Friend at Wal-Mart and our local grocery store. It comes in a container similar to Comet or Ajax powder cleanser. We have a Bed, Bath & Beyond and they have begun to carry a liquid form that is much nicer. I just discovered they have a Web site, too! Here it is: http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/

Brenda
10/13/04

Madelaine: Thanks for the lead. I bought the Weimans at Wal-Mart, but my friend says she uses Barkeepers and loves it.

Brenda
10/13/04

Sandy: I know what you are going through. I don't know how many times I replace elements on my coil stove and wiped up spills from the drip pans. I have had my glass top for a month and you DO need to get used to it...I love the thermostatically controlled cooking. AND, I think I am saving electricity. I cook to a certain degree, and turn the element OFF - there is enough heat left to finish the cooking of most things. And, to think I almost returned this range for a coil range. I clean everytime I use it...Enjoy

Shirley
10/15/04

I am trying to decide whether to buy a smooth-top stove or a regular coil one. Since I have limited counter space, I usually put hot roasting pans directly from the oven onto the coil stove top. Can this also be done on the Ceran smooth-top ranges without causing any damage to the smooth-top surface? Comments would be greatly appreciated.

Brenda
10/17/04

My friend who has had one of these for years, says YES and she does a LOT of cooking. Some of the cooking stores, Sur La Table, sell these rubberized hotpads...I bought one and LOVE it ..amazing that they don't melt.

ellen
10/18/04

Actually, though they feel like rubber they are high temp silicone, and will stand up to 600 degrees.

The report of cracking from an oven dish was a hot large casserole set on a wet dishtowel on a cold stove. Don't know how old the top was... Ellen

brendammoore98@cox.net
10/18/04

I recently bought a house with a fridgidair ceramic cooktop, but was left with no directions on how to operate it. I can't seem to regulate the temperature and can't walk far from the stove when cooking. Can you give me some help on this problem?

Lynnchallenge5@hotmail.com
10/18/04

Help! I just used my Frigidare black ceramic stove top for the first time tonight. I'm not sure what happed, but now there are some tiny little holes where the paint is chipped off on one of the burners. Is this a defect? Is there some type of black ink that could cover up these little spots?

ellen
10/19/04

Frigidaire will send a replacemnt manual for your particular stove, doesn't cost too much, it will be worth it.

New stove with chips? Get on the phone to where you bought it TODAY. The warranty should cover replacement. Do NOT accept a touch up, it will never be right!

Nancypavonen@bellsouth.net
10/23/04

I have a GE white ceramic stove top and the large burner has turned grey around the outside and in the middle. what could have caused that. I have tried all the cleaners recommended for this stove. I believe these stains are permanent but hope someone might have another suggestion. I have used the scraper and pad, ceramic stove top cleaner etc.

micheletlmech@bellsouth.net
10/24/04

I don't like the ceremic cooktops. They scratch to easily even with mild solutions.

I also think gas is the way to go. waterheater, stove, heat. Its the best thing if your electric goes out you still have those things to use.

I need help I want to buy copper pots and pans. I saw some old ones in an antique store can I cook in them if I buy them old?

Kellykellyc8576@msn.com
10/31/04

HELP! A small plastic bag managed to slip onto my burner and immediately melted onto it. I turned off the burner and removed the pan and have let it cool. I tried leaving a wet washcloth overnight to loosen to no avail. PLEASE let me know if anyone has advice on how to remove this hard plastic so I can use my stove. Thanks!

nannhbogger@nps.k12.va.us
10/31/04

I have an ugly scratch about the size of a quarter on my smoothtop. Are there any products available to remove the scratch? I love my smoothtop. I have been using it for 3 and 1/2 years. This is the first problem I have had with it.

Dianne
11/02/04

I have a 1.5 year old Whirlpool ceran cooktop that I love but have just noticed one of the front burners has 2 rings (half rings - arcs) from the pot bottom where the finish seems to have come off. I'm hoping I'm wrong but it doesn't look like a stain. Is there a fix for this - I don't want to replace the top - the rings are small. I don't know what caused them.

Angel
11/02/04

I've cooked for 7 and a half years on my black ceramic KitchenAid range and have had NO problems in keeping the top clean, but I never let it go more than a couple of days--it gets dusty anyway. It sparkles and cooks well.
But I never thought about this until it has happened--how do I replace just one burner? The largest, and most used, burner has apparently burned out. Does the top lift up somehow to replace the coils as in a regular electric range?

Janet Zuzokukara@msn.com
11/04/04

I have Whirlpool Gold with white ceramic top and first I want to suggest others something really great I've just discovered for excellent and pain free cleaning. It's called Pure Clean BATHROOM BLOCK. With just a little clean water gently move it over the surface gently (no pressure) and all yellow and brown is off. I bought it in Walmart, but you can find about it on www.goearthstone.com.
But, I have bigger problem than that! Since I bought this block I have 3 beautiful burners, but the fourth one is black as a tar. About 2 months ago, a piece of aluminum foil fell from the pan and melted into the surface. Is there any kind of chemical that would melt it off without distroying ceramic surface. Please help!

Dianne
11/04/04

Seems like there are a lot of problems with these cooktops! Just checked back to see if anyone had a fix for my problem (the pot seems to have etched out rings on the burner surface -not sure it could be a stain - anyone have this problem??) but have noticed there are so many other probs you are all experiencing. I'll be careful now not to let anything boil over, not to put a plastic bag anywhere near the cooktop, not to use copper pots, etc. These tops look so great but they're high maintenance.

ellen
11/04/04

Definitelt high maintenance! These cooktops make me think about that joke about tne high maintenance person who thinks s/he's a low maintenance person. Anyway, the new cleaning product suggestions sound useful. I do not have any reports of success in removing burnt on plastic or metal/foil, or to replace a single burner in the top- but I also had a heck of a time getting the residue off a gas burner when I toasted a plastic cup recently, so it isn't just smooth tops.

Jan Hirschphirsch@casco.net
11/05/04

I have a 6 year old Maytag glass top stove. I tried to use a presto canner (23 qt. size) as a hot water bath canner. The water never came to a full rolling boil after 2 hours. I even put just 1 inch of water in it to test it out.
The canner info states that it can be used on a smooth top stove. The canner base is 8 inches across the lower center and I tried to use it on the 6 inch element on the stove and on the 8 inch element. However, the water will not heat up to a boil. Help...
Thanks

Tammydimwit40@yahoo.com
11/05/04

need to know how to clean the bottom of stainless steel pots and pans

ellen
11/07/04

There is a product dalled "Nanal Jelly" usually found at good hardware stores, which is a great metal polish fo stainless steel or aluminim. Just wah thoroughly after polishing. I am NOT recommending this for stovetops, just pots.

Debbie
11/07/04

Interesting. I have a Kenmore black, glass top and I love it. It is simple to clean and looks great. I have had it for two years and I have boiled over just about everything on it. It looks as good as new. I clean it between uses with the cleaner I bought at Walmart and once in a while use a razor to scrape off any spills. I don't feel like a slave to it in any way. It is the easiest stove top I have ever had to maintain.

I got a new set of pans as a gift and I was searching the net for info on if they are ok to use on my stove. They have the ridges that a couple people here described. I think I will return them and get flat bottomed pans however.

Thank you for all your ideas and comments.

Phyllisemailroobaer@yahoo.com
11/07/04

Can you use enameled cast iron on a glass cook top?

patpatgeos@wmconnect.com
11/09/04

I just had my kitchen redone and bought a JennAire black cook top. I am already discouraged with the upkeep. I have Calphalon
pots and pans I bought 2 years ago and now I understand that aluminum is not good for the cooktop. What brand do you suggest I buy. I am ready to change to new ones. Anyone out there ready to by my Calphalon pots and pans cheap?

pat vachino
11/09/04

ceramic cook top vs. coil
I am replacing my coil electric stove top. I was considering a smooth top but am now hesitant after reading the comments. I cook a lot and have several types of pans, some or which have copper bottoms. I am not interested in replacing my pots but do want good cooking results. Gas is not an option. Which way do I go,coil or smooth?

ellen
11/10/04

The big problem with aluminum pans on the cooktops is with the plain aluminum pans, they mark the stovetop too easily. If the aluminum pan is anodized all over the outside and bottom, and does NOT have ridges/circles molded into the bottom, you will probably be satisfied with the results on your stovetop.

With iron pans, you have to have a smooth bottom and like the aluminum DO NOT slide or drag across the top!!! pick up and put down.

Several readres have not had good luck with copper bottom pans.

Pat this is a big decision for you. Smoothtops really do not get as hot as or even adjust as uickly as regular electrics, let alone gas. See the discussion on Wok cooking and on trying to use a canner, above. So it depends a lot on what kind of cooking you do.

Lori
11/16/04

Hi,

I am looking at replacing my old coil avocado green stove with a ceran top range. I have totally been freaked out by the comments I have read. My husband will have a fit if the thing ends up more work than not. I like the clean look that this stove gives and my pots are just analon no copper although I do have an old aluminium roaster which I use at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Do you recommend I get rid of this if I decide to get the smooth top range?

Lori

Kate
11/16/04

We have the new smooth top surface and picked the black top to go with our other appliances. We were almost ready to admit we had made a mistake with the various marks and spill over stains, until I finally used the Mr. Clean Eraser Pads. If you have not tried these...get them! They take off scuff marks or almost any kind of smudge, dirt or grime off of virtually any wood, plastic, tile, ceramic and so many more surfaces. I took a little alcohol and let the marks on our stove top "marinate" for about five minutes. Then took Mr. Clean Eraser and gently "erased". Magic! I tried using the alcohol and then removing with other scrubbers or cloths and it wouldn't work. The "eraser" made our stove top look brand new. Hope it might work for all of you!

Norma Hollimanph31@earthlink.net
11/17/04

I am looking for a protective cover for my GE Glass Top Range. Since my exhaust fan is directly over the range, would like to be able to put deep fryer or skillet on the range to use, but do not wnat to put directly on the glass top. I would appreciate any information that anyone would have regarding a source of procurement.

ellen
11/17/04

I suggest the really large silicone mats, they are easy to move off the stove for cleanimg and can stand the heat of the spatters.

Norma
11/18/04

Thank you, Ellen for the silicone mat suggestion.

Chris
11/18/04

ceramic cook top - cookware to use!
I just stumbled across a site that finally gave a clear answer to what type of cookware to use with glass ceramic stovetops! It says:
"We recommend using an 18/10 stainless steel cookware that is made with the full cap base or using 18/10 stainless steel clad metal cookware. Make sure to choose cookware that is medium to heavy weight as thinner pans may warp and not work effectively on your stovetop. It's important to match the burner size as closely to the pan size as possible when cooking. Your cookware should have flat bottoms for effective heat transfer. Plain Aluminum or Hard Anodized Aluminum cookware are also suitable for glass or ceramic cooktops, but may leave metal marks and/or residues on your stovetop that appear to be scratches. Please note that cookware with rough bottoms can mark or scratch the cooktop surface. DO NOT slide or drag your cookware on the surface. Glass, Ceramic, Copper Bottom and Cast Iron cookware are NOT recommended for use on glass cooktops. Please also note that cookware with a painted, porcelin enamel or colored exterior must never be overheated on a glass/ceramic stovetop. Cookware of this type that is overheated may, in some instances, fuse to the surface of the stovetop requiring complete replacement of the stovetop."
Sorry for the length of this posting, but I think it will help!

Brenda
11/22/04

Chris: What is the link to this website that you mention?

Arbasqarl@yahoo.com
11/22/04

I have a new Kenmore Elite that i have just used for the first time today with my Al-clad. The left burners have a 'bridge' component and it is recommended that the correct size griddle be used with it.

The stove came with an 'electric griddle' but I am afraid to use it because it rests on for flat screw-type heads rather than lying flat on the stove. It almost looks to me as though it must be a mistake. There is nothing in the direction manual about using this item (other than the fact that it exists). Does anyone know anything about this item and whether it is to rest on the four metal 'feet'?

ellen
11/23/04

There is a number to call for customer service in the manual that came with your new stove, do call them. I have not seen these griddles.

Scottybanjoscotty@direcway.com
11/23/04

I have a Maytag black glass top range. I boiled a pot dry and the glass cracked and a small piece fell out. Can this crater be fixed,filled,or do I replace the whole range? Thanks

ellen
11/24/04

I am so sorry, what a bad time to have this happen. As mentioned above, you are looking at replacing the whole top before you can use any of the burners safely- explanation above. If it is part of a stove, you can probably do just the top. Besides Maytag, you can check with Sears Appliance Repair.

Williamthechin2@yahoo.com
11/26/04

I had search the world over looking for the perfect product to clean the Whirlpool Black Stovetop my Beautiful wife "which I love so dearly" purchased about a year ago. Well I have found it..... Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works like a charm leaving pleanty of spare time for love and romance.

Daverips042@yahoo.com
11/27/04

I purchased an used Kenmore flat top range today. However, I found out 2 of the burner coils inside the ceramic glass has fell off. How do I open the ceramic glass top? Any ideas?

Thanks!

Dave

ellen
11/28/04

Dave, I have NO idea; maybe a reader has coped and will tell us.

Lizlizharvey1@aol.com
11/28/04

We just bought a Kenmore black ceramic stovetop and so far love it. I checked out this site to see if we could use Corning Ware on it. I've appreciated all the helpful cooking and cleaning tips. In response to Donna (10/4/04), we had recommended to us a Classicor griddle made by Innova. It is nonstick stainless steel. We used it once so far and it was just fine. As soon as I learn just how hot to have it for pancakes, I'm sure I'll like it even better! I had originally bought a cast iron one that was advertised safe for ceramic stovetops but I just didn't have a good gut feeling about it after it arrived. The Classicor was $60.

Peteupitt5@yahoo.com
12/02/04

We have a GE profile 932 ceramic gas cooktop and we likes it since it looks much nicer than traditional porcelin top. However, the cramic glass top cracked after just 27 months of normal usage. We called the company and was told that we can purchase a new ceramic glass top for %510 including shipping and install it ourselves because the warrenty covers only one year. Our questions are 1. how long can a ceramic top last and how often does it crack? 2. should we purchase a new cooktop than just replace the ceramic? 3. what causes the crack? Thanks for your help.

ellen
12/04/04

The tops can last 10 years or more as discussed by readers, you had very bad luck. The biggest problem with installing the ceramic yourself, besides the hassle, is no warranty. Shop around locally for the top and repair, you may be able to do better. Also check your local appliance clearance places, you may get a new stove with a new warranty for around the same price.

If you read through the thread you will see considerable discussion about cracking the tops.

Barbarabjbalog@aol.com
12/04/04

I have had 3 kenmore/Sears coil-tops in the past year...all have the same problem. I've asked for my money back, and Sears is about to pick up this one. The edges and other parts of the stovetop get so hot from the burners that you cannot touch the edges or much of the top. I burned my stomach through my clothes, and have a small scar as a result. Friends have nearly been burned. Sears says this problem cannot be fixed, and is acceptable to them. However, the retail folks kept exchanging my stove thinking surely that the next one will not be like this. I've cooked on coil-tops all my life (I'm 55)...this is all my mother ever had, and all I ever had in many apartments (with cheaper stoves) and now my home. I never saw such a problem with an electric coil-top. In sheer frustration, I started to consider a glass top...until I read all of this. If these are so popular, why don't I know anyone except a sister who has one (and loves it, even though she said it looks horrible), a friend who had one (and couldn't wait to get rid of it), and a friend with two sisters who own them (and are lukewarm about them)? Now an appliance dealer (small, family-owned business) tells me that UL standards say it is acceptable for a cooktop to be hot like these three Kenmores? Help! I don't want gas. I'm going to start advertising for a used coil-top. (SAFE coil-tops are going to become hard to get, like regular toilets...which are being smuggled in, I hear, from Canada because so many of those low flow toilets are such a problem.) How do we fight this? I would rather deal with the known cleaning concerns of a coil-top than the cleaning, scratching, breaking I'm reading about here. But I cannot compromise on SAFETY. Are gas and used electrics my only choices?

Barbarabjbalog@aol.com
12/04/04

Barb here again.... While in that family-owned business the other day, the salesman/owner put 3 cups of water in a pot and put it on a glass-top stove, to impress with with this type of electric stove. It took 8 minutes for this water to come to a boil! I tried the same thing at home, on my coil-top, and it took only 3.5 minutes. At home it took 19 minutes for 6 quarts of water to come to a boil in my big soup pot. Does this mean it's going to take 20-30 minutes on a glass top to boil water for corn on the cob?

Barbara
12/04/04

Let's all go buy antique stoves! These babies are costly, but will last forever. Check out these websites:

http://www.antiqueappliances.com
http://www.antiquestoves.com

ellen
12/05/04

Yes, they take about twice as long to heat water to the boil and as mentioned above, so really big pots nevber do boil.
Do definitely write UL (Underwriter's Laboratory ) with your experience of being burned. What about kids and short people, who have to reach across those hot tops?

Carla
12/07/04

I didn't read the manual first to my new Kenmore, and I put foil in the bottom of the stove as a drip-liner.....well, it melted and stuck. Amy suggestions on how to get this off????? Scraping is not working. Thanks

jan
12/08/04

I've only had my GE Profile range with bisque glass top for a week and so far I love it. It's been wonderfully easy to clean (with the cream cleaner) compared with my old coil range. Am I to understand that it gets less easy to clean with time or as the surface is marred?

Brynnmccartbr@d25.k12.id.us
12/10/04

Hi. My mom just built a new house, and has a ceramic top stove. I've been looking EVERYWHERE for a cover that covers the entire thing, and can't find one. Do they make such things? And where do I find one?

Lily
12/11/04

SCOTCH BRITE!!! It is the absolute MIRACLE for cleaning a smooth-top stove!!! I wasted a year with the cleaner that came with the stove and a lot of elbow grease. Then my sister who also has a smooth top told me you can use Scotch Brite Pads and I have not used the cleaner one time since that day. It is AWESOME!!! SCOTCH BRITE does not scratch the smooth top and it takes up that nasty black stuff with very little elbow grease! I HIGHLY recommend SCOTCH BRITE pads. I just use the plain, thin, dark green pads, but you can use the Scotch Brite sponges too...I just have a big problem with sponges, in general...germ carriers. I use DAWN and warm water with the Scotch Brite and my smooth top sparkles! I always allow the Scotch Brite to dry out fully, behind my sink, so as to minimize bacterial growth. What a WONDER Scotch Brite has been in my attitude toward my stove! Like I said, I have not once used the smooth top cleaner on it, in the two years I've been using Scotch Brite, and it shines after each cleaning! Everything else about my stove, I love!!! Contrary to what others have written, my stove top heats up quicker and "hotter" than my previous electric coil stove. I have even canned for three years on my smooth top. Prior to Scotch Brite, I also used razor blades to scrape things off, but again, I have not had to use them at all, since SCOTCH BRITE...TRY IT!!!

Brendabrenda7@hvc.rr.com
12/12/04

I have a question about cracked glass cooktops. My WONDERFUL HUSBAND accidently dropped a hammer on the back edge of my cooktop, causing a small crack and some tiny breakage. It is nowhere near the burners, do I need to have this replaced? UGH!

jan
12/12/04

Several people have mentioned using something to cover and presumably protect the range top. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen to me. Someone mentioned a quilt. What would happen if a burner was accidentally turned on?

paul
12/13/04

instead of a ceramic cooktop, i purchased a product called SafeTelement that covers the coil element of an electric stove and keeps its temperature below 350C so that it prevents ignition (fire!) of oil, paper, any material that would be around your stove as well as saves energy. The plate also smooths out temperature gradients for more level cooking and covers the drip tray so you may have to clean your stove top and SafeTelement. I bought it through Pioneeringtech.com and have also bought it for my aging parents for safety reasons. Fire marshalls just love these things as most fires are caused by cooking.

ellen
12/13/04

Paul, thanks for the tip, these element covers are new to me.

Jan, The ONLY thing I suggest to place on the stovetop is the 600 degree heat safe silicon pad that can be used in the oven, ANYTHING flammable is unsafe- just a disaster waiting to happen.

Brenda, as to the crack, it will extend eventually, but since it is nowhere near the burner, your unhandy husband might consider a heat resistant epoxy grout or seal such as is used on engine blocks. What WAS he doing with a hammer over the stove?:

Brenda
12/13/04

LOL Thanks Ellen! We just recently moved into our house, the previous owners had some UGLY molding around the counter, Soooooooo I asked my husband to remove it! And of course that makes the cracked stove MY FAULT!! hahaha!

I will try some kind of heat resistant stuff, but will be prepared to replace the damn thing eventually.

Wanda
12/14/04

We just bought a Kenmore with a black ceramic top and my husband boiled over water from eggs...it has left marks and looks like a chip...is tht just residue or is it chipped already? Tried vinegar and dish soap both individually and didnt clean it. Any help would be appreciated.

ceramic or glass smooth top
I am thinking about buying a smooth top range. Are the ceramic top and glass top referred to in various messages the same? If not what is the advantage of having glass over ceramic or vice versa?

I was told by a salesman at a store who sold several different brands of smooth tops to consider buying either a Maytag or Whirlpool because of the "Schott Ceran (Ceram?)" smooth top because the glass was so much thicker than the tops being put out by other brands. Does anyone know anything about these particular tops and if it is true that these smooth tops are superior over the others?

ellen
12/20/04

They are the same stuff, and you can check the thickness by looking in the owners manual. Please try one for a sew days before you buy, for example borrow a friend's kitchen or rent a vacation kitchen with one.

Prafullaprafullars@hotmail.com
12/21/04

I just got a Kenmore White ceramic cooktop. The 2 front burners are very large and 2 smaller at the rear.They heat up very quickly and takes ages to cool down.Also none of my old pots work on this,which means I will have to buy new set of pots & pans and also watch my cooking so I avoid spills...as this is white stains will show....looks like my old cooktop was less hassel...This one looks nice but I am afraid to use it and cooking will no longer be a pleasure...any tips to make life more bearable

Mirandamq10@yahoo.com
12/25/04

I bought a GE profile black glass top earlier this year. The first time I used it, I cooked white rice and had some spillage. After the burner completely cooled down, my husband used Cerama Bryte and the yellow scrubber (it came with the stove) and scrubbed off the residue. Now I have a dull stain on my glass top. Any solutions to make it shine again?

I continue to use the Cerama-Bryte because it works great when it comes to cleaning the entire top but it never makes that particular burnt rice spot shine like the rest of the glass top. I threw away the yellow scrubber!

giselekennyandgisele@bellsouth.net
12/25/04

I have a 3 yr. old Sears Kenmore 40inch dual fuel gas range. The top is gas with a black glass top which shattered spontaneously while cooking. I have exhausted all efforts in talking to Sears repair, appliance dept., recall dept. (to see if there are other similar defects), and Sears will not replace the glass. Estimated repair cost is $1004.00. The stove new was $1900.00. Any suggestions?

RUTH HARRISACURA2MAY@AOL.COM
12/26/04

Portable convenction oven
can you pop popcorn in a convection oven?

Judy
12/27/04

I just ordered a G.E. glass top stove from Sears..My first ever, after using the traditional coil stove for years.. I did buy some stainless steel pots and pans, but I do still have some old aluminum pots that I have used for cooking spagetti.. Are aluminum pots o.k. to use with this new stove?? Also, i noticed that Scotch Brite pads are o.k. to use on these stoves.. I might give it a try if the cream does not work.. I would appreciate any suggetions anyone has.. Thank you..

Jennyjennov28@hotmail.com
12/27/04

Help,
My nylon/polyester apron got placed on a hot smooth top range. It melted on a burner. Once the burner cooled the nylon hardened and cracked. I was able to just peel the top layer off, but it left a hard film on the burner. Any suggestions how to remove this without ruining the burner? Help in Ohio

Deb
12/30/04

Do not use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on your glass or ceramic top stove.

The Magic Eraser is the 8th wonder of the world, but it should NOT be used on polished surfaces.

Deb
12/30/04

Also, the ONLY Scotchbrite product that is remotely safe to use is the Blue Multi-Purpose No Scratch Sponge...and I would be careful about that.
I thought nothing could convert me from gas, but my boyfriend's ceramic top did, and I find it cleans up quickly and looks great. I'm thrilled to have received one from him for Christmas.

D'Angelo & Trinatrinards@netzero.net
01/03/05

We just got a Kenmore glass ceramic flat top range. We do not want to become slaves to keeping this thing clean. We were wondering if there is something we could use for everyday cleaning, besides the Cook Top Cleaning Creme that was provided by Sears. We would like to be able to purchase a cleaner from a regular store for an unexpensive price.

angiemamapoteet@aol.com
01/06/05

I want to know if anyone has had a problem with self cleaning on Kenmore flat top range....I use self-clean once and the fired the computer board...I hear this is a problem but need people to band together to get kenmore to recall...the oven would not stop heating or cool down...we had to turn off power to stove to stop heating-now it cost $300 to repair

Kathykathyjacks@aol.com
01/08/05

I am actually shopping around for smooth top ranges. I am probably going with something from maytag because I have maytag appliances throughout my house and really like and trust their reliability.I have been told that you can use windex or smoething like that to shine up the top in between uses or if no stuck on food is visible.

Sande
01/08/05

What is the reason that you are not to use cast iron skillets on a glass top range? I didn't know this & have used it for a couple of weeks with no problems. I do not slide it across the top of the range top as I realized that it could scratch it. I've also noticed that I need to cook with a cooler setting than when I use the stainless steel cookware in order to avoid burning the food to a crisp! Good thing my dogs like burned bacon!

ellen
01/09/05

OK, here is the annual reminder about cast iron and other non-flat-bottom pans. The issues with cast iron are 2 that I know of. One is the scratching from sliding issue, but the other is that MOST ironware does not have a perfectly flat bottom. They have a ring, You need a perfectly flat bottom to cook well woithout hurting the stove- even those aluminum pots with the concentric flat rings aren't good- because the stove heats primarily by contact/conduction. The stove's heating ring has to OVERHEAT to heat a pan with a raised or partially raised bottom.

So, if you have perfectly flat bottoms on your iron, as I do on my Dutch oven, you may have success.

shonashonasi@yahoo.com
01/09/05

I have used a kitchenaid ceramic cooktop for 6 years and had no problems until last night. I had finished cooking rice in a 12 inch skillet and had the burner off, just keeping the food warm when I heard a very loud glass breaking sound and discovered a large crack on the burner underneath my pan (a crack as if someone used an ice pick on the center of the burner and the cracks rippled through half of the stovetop). There were no cracks prior to yesterday so I was really dumbfounded as to what happened. In reading these messages I now feel it may be the pan I used (concentric rings)however, I have used this same pan daily for almost a year with no prior issues. (Anyone had one break spontaneously for no apparent reason??)
Overall though, I wanted those who seem nervous about ceramic tops to know that we were pretty happy with ours for 6 years. I have made giantic stuck on messes with ours and using the cooktop cleaner could make it shine in 10 minutes. Ours looked brand new and I believe it was 20 years old (in the house when we bought it). I think those who are considering what type of stove to get just need to understand that the cleanser needs to be used after every meal. We have friends who rarely use the cleanser and their stove looks terrible. There are some "rules" with the cooktop but if you follow them they look great forever unlike gas burners which must be cleaned with equal diligence to keep them looking newish. I think it comes down to preference. Personally I love cooking with gas for the control but I found it easy to adjust to ceramic electric with no problem.
As far as replacing our current cooktop, I'll be looking at the expense of a gas line, but I won't have any concerns going back to our ceramic top if gas is too expensive to convert.

ellen
01/09/05

Sounds like it was a cooktop whose time had come... thanks for a thoughtful and balanced note,

Carole
01/10/05

Info on repairing ceramic stove top
Mine is a Kenmore Free-standing Radiant range and only the top is cracked and needs to be replaced.
I
found that I can get it for $439 & s&h & tax from Search or for $200 less from a local parts store who will order it for me.

Sears will give me no idea of what the cost will be for the installation.

I am preparing to sell my home and need to take care of this, but want to do it correctly but not overspend if it's not necessary.

My questions are:

Does anyone have recent experience with Sears to have an idea about the actual costs of the installation, trip, etc?

Does anyone have recent experience with having a stovetop replaced by an independant repair person and what the approx costs are?
What type of repair person do I need?

Has anyone removed a stove top and installed a new one? What is involved? Or is there a website where I can get information.

WIth appreciation,
Carole

Brandykodysmom@alltel.net
01/10/05

Canning on a Smooth Top
Hello All! We have just moved into a new house with a smooth top. Each summer I enjoy canning different vegtables but my instruction book directs me to use a canner made for "smooth top stoves" Does anyone have a suggestion as to which canner I should purchase? Some are expensive and I do not want to waste my money on one that I can not use on my smooth to or one that will ruin my smooth top stove.

Thanks!

Dondonald@worling.com
01/12/05

I have a 7 year old Frigidaire blacktop that comes clean with BKFriend and CeramaBryte, except for a fist-sized dark cloudy spot around the main big burner-----nothing has spilled on it-----what to do to clean this off?

Pat
01/13/05

A couple of months ago, we moved into our newly built home with what we thought was our "dream" kitchen including a black Whirlpool glass smoothtop. Oh, were we wrong! The smoothtop cleaners are not effective and take much elbow grease and time to use, shopping for pans is proving to be a nightmare, and it's turning a person who loves to cook into one who would just soon her husband bring in takeout! For those of you who are in the market for a new stove, buyer beware! I wish I'd known about this website and the problems associated with the smoothtops before deciding upon one for ourselves. For the rest of us who are already blessed with such an appliance, I wish us all good luck in unlocking the smoothtop's "secrets"! Until then, I'll reminisce about the 17 year old GE coil stove I once complained about and left (which was still working wonderfully, by the way) and dream of a new one to replace this dreaded smoothtop!

tonitonidra@netzero.net
01/15/05

i did not know smooth top stoves have been out for 30 years. someone on this site said they had one for 30 years! is this true?

Also, is all calphalon products aluminum on the very bottom?

Louisegrandmajames718@hotmail.com
01/15/05

last year in june i bought a brand new house with an electric whirpool gold self-cleaning oven well today was the first tim i tried to use it and it wsnt too good. after about 25 minutes of cleaning it was smoking alot then i kept looking inside making sure everything was alright then allof the sudden it cought on fire inside. im not sure what i did wrong but i need halp. should i clean the inside first? i did nothing to prepare it should i have? anyone please email me to help me. i need to know what the instructions are on this oven its a whirpool gold 2004 oven. Tahnks for your help.

ellen
01/16/05

Louise, this is off topic for this thread, but it sounds like you got really frightened!

1) Self cleaning needs to be run about once a month and runs at around 650 degrees or hotter. You should NEVER open the oven door while the cleaning cycle is running- most of the newer ovens lock the door so you can't. By lowering the temp and opening the door, you add oxygen and set up the likelihood of a fire.

2)Self cleaning is to remove the light coating of spatter that absorbs the infrared heat by burning it off. This helps the oven roast well. It works pretty well if you use it frequently. It absolutely WILL NOT clean up any spill big enough to scrape off. For example, you have to remove pie spills, sweet roll drips and sweet potato drippings yourself before running the self cleaning cycle.

3) MOst self cleaning ovens say not to use foil to line the bottom. Believe it. You will completely ruin the oven the first time ytou run self cleaning with aluminum foil still on the floor of the oven.

4)If the oven does a lot of smoking while self cleaning, you haver waited too long or left too large of spills.

Ro
01/17/05

I have a GE profile ceramic top range and today I had some salted water spill over and the hot surface indicator lights flickered and then when poof and out. Has anyone had a problem with spilovers causing these lights to blow out?

Suma
01/18/05

Maytag gas Range
I just now moved into new house and the Maytag gas stove (Black)that we purchased is very good except that I am noticing itty bitty rustic scums around the Burners, although I am very careful while cooking and clean any spills immediately, the scums are not coming off, please advise a cleaner that could get rid of this problem for me, the range is less than ONE MONTH OLD!!

jan
01/22/05

Gray mystery discolorations
Last night I was browning some meat in a skillet I have used many times before on my bisque GE Profile ceramic top range. I cleaned up as usual with a Scotchbrite pad and ceramic stovetop cleaner. For some reason there are some light gray shadowy marks on the burners that don't seem to come off. They don't look like scratches, the top still looks smooth and shiny, just embedded grayish smudges. What can I do to remove them? (The range is only 2 months old.)

wilma matthewswilmamatthews@yahoo.com
01/24/05

Hi
I also have a ceramic top stove. I have found out to keep it clean like most of the other post is the cerma cleaner/white vinegar . It is also best to make sure that the stove top is all the way cool.I know for sure cheap aluminum pots are a bad choice. I am having better luck with good stainless steel and I am still open for finding something else to cook with. I relly like cooking.I have had my range for a month.

Waltwgrage@bellsouth.net
01/24/05

Where can I purchase the large silicone mats to use as a cover for my smooth top stove?

Wendywjohnson39@sc.rr.com
01/25/05

I need a stove that's boyfriend proof!!! It seems there are so many "rules" when it comes to cleaning and cooking on them, what cookware to use, wipe sugar up immediately or you've ruined it, etc. It's honestly making me sick. I'm tired of having to remind people to wipe oil off of a burner that's spattered from something else that's currently cooking before they place another pot on it. Otherwise it's a small project just to clean it off. And that's done on a daily basis!!! The whole point of having a smooth top is ease of cleaning... but it seems just the opposite is true. Also, I have a spot that will not come off my Kenmore smooth top...could it be possible this is some kind of permanent etching? Any advice??? Should I just leave it on the side of the road and get a gas range?

Hannahhane48ish@yahoo.com
01/27/05

My 21 month old frigidaire black ceramic cooktop cracked while cooking! I was extra careful with it, and was cooking noodles on the back, went to put frozen veggies in front and...crack! What a nightmare! The stove was $400 new, they want $299.99 to replace the ceramic cook top, with almost $200 more in labor--45 minutes it would take to install! No kidding! The part takes 3 weeks to order! NEVER AGAIN! I am going back to the old-fashioned electric coil range...my last one was 11 years old when I was talked into replacing it! I was told my 1-year warranty was up, and I hadn't purchased the extended warranty...who knew, regular cooking could break this thing! No matter how careful you are with it, this cook top is not "space-age"...it's a joke! Not for people who really like cooking!

maryann
01/30/05

what is all the complaing?? I keep telling my husband that my new black cooktop has freed me from tons of work..no more drip pans, rings, and fitting aluminum foil.. I find it incredibly easy to care for and have had no trouble.. It may be the brand.. It is Schott ceramic -a german company--I researched this.. It is not the thickness of the glass over other brands..but more to do with composition/lack of porosity.. mostly, follow the manufacturer's directions and don't let guests cook who don't know about the finer points..like not dragging pans..I have 23 year old Revere Ware Pans.. Stainless Steel with Copper Bottoms...They heat fast and this stove responds to temperature adjustments..not like the old coils..they were either hot or cold...I was afraid of gas, once when I was a kid me robe sleeve caught fire with that open flame licking at it...I use the cream cleaner and a paper towel..that's it

Marympdw2@wmconnect.com
02/02/05

Toni,
I have had a Frigidaire Ceramic (White) stove - bought Feb. 7th 1974. Still using and have used cast iron skillets and Revere pots and fry pan and less than a year ago front"eyes" started looking gray. I only used back eyes when having company and they are still white.

I am going to have to replace stove as the top unit has burned out and not sure parts for a 31 yr. old stove would be available. Also would not be feasible cost wise.

I've have really enjoyed my stove and it has really been used - canning & preserving but in small pots.

B
02/03/05

NEVER JENN-AIRE AGAIN and I'll stick to electric
I'm planning on remodeling my old kitchen and a relatives old kitchen at the same time. I thouht the ceremic cooktop was THE way to go but always had my reservations. After reading this forum, I'm definitely going for my old standby electric coil. My relative has a 25-yr old GE stove with a GREAT small stove and those old electric eyes heat up SO QUICKLY it's amazing.I also understand you cannot use any kind of a pressure cooker on top of ceremic cooktops. I burn stuff all the time multi-tasking so I guess ye 'old electric eye will do. I also like the PRICE of the electric eyes as well. And, my kitchen currently has Jenn-AIR electric built-in oven and built-in cooktop and it is AWFUL ! I have lived with only TWO EYES which makes cooking very challenging; I've tried finding a replacement for the WORTHLESS Jenn-aire "grill" but it's more expensive than getting a whole new stove. Also NO MORE will I consider "Built-in" because it is NOT WORTH THE PRICE. WARNING; Do not assume Jenn-Aire is the best because it costs so much...I will NEVER EVER EVER have any Jenn-aire product in my house again...they have driven me nuts: the built-in oven requires a double-jointed person to replace the stove light, the stainless steel cooktop surrounding the electric eyes are a PAIN to keep clean, looking nice. I'm getting a good, plain old non-built-in white electric store with electric eyes for me and my relative. Thanks SO MUCH for this valuable info on the downsides of ceremic cooktops!

sharonwcharrison@att.net
02/04/05

hello i just purchased a new ceramic top top.
cooked one thing w/ my iron pots last wk and noted a gray ring around one burner.went out and purchased new T-fal pots today.does anyone think this pots will be ok,before i open the box and use them or should i take them back and get someting else?thnks

Monicamipmom@aol.com
02/05/05

I just bought my second black ceramic top stove. The first one I bought actually came with a razor blade scraper for the top so I knew that it was safe to use. I never had a problem until one time I used an enamel stock pot and forgot about it on the stove. It burned itself right into the top and when I took it off the glass came with it. But I bought another because I love the extra counter space when it is not in use and it is really easy to keep clean when you get the hang of it. Just use the various cook top creams and the razor. It takes no time at all. I still use any pans I want except I got rid of all enamel pans.

Catherine
02/05/05

Up to now, my smooth top encounter has been positive. When I moved into my condo two months ago I had to buy a new fridge and stove. Before purchasing I went on to the consumer report site and made many searches on the internet. I wanted to buy a smooth top but had no idea if the product was any good. I had the wonderful luck to fall upon this site and read carefully all the comments. I still decided to go ahead and buy my BLACK SLIDE IN SMOOTH TOP from Kenmore. I think that black is the way to go...cleaning is a sinch. I also had to buy my cookware and decided to go with ANOLON. I was worried i could not grill meat with my smooth top since iron skillets are a no no, but after pourchasing two THICK T-Fal skillets and cooking meat with them, my worries dicipated..it went great! The meat was nice and grilled. I think that for some people smooth top is a good choice if you do average cooking and are the the type of person that is neet in the kitchen. If you are a wreckless cook or tend to be messy and have spills, then coil or gas should be your choice. they all have their advantages and disadvantage. Up to now I love my smooth top....I'll keep you posted.

Lindahoneybee1036@comcast.net
02/07/05

To:Brandy
kodysmom@alltel.net
01/10/05

I don't know what type of ceramic stove top you have. But what I do know is that I was told by the manufacturer that canning is a big no no on ceramic.. DO NOT DO IT they said. No matter what type pot you have.

Brenda
02/07/05

I have had my Frigidaire Ceramic Cooktop (white) since Sept.04 and am learning how to cook all over, to a certain degree. I believe they ARE energy saving because you can turn off the source before you are completely finished cooking and your meal will continue to cook. I have Chantal cookware and it seems to work well. I do have a couple Aluminum Teflon coated fry pans ($16-20) which always leave dirty spots, so for that price they can easily be replaced. I found a great 9.5" Wolfgang Puck pan at Marshalls as well as two items by Tivoli - a small saucepan and a 8" fry pan. They are great and leave NO residue. Water DOES seem to take a long time in a covered saucepan, however, boiling water in my Chantal teapot seems to be very quick. Yes, I scrub after every cooking because I love the pristine look of the white cooktop. Would I buy another? Perhaps yes. I grew up cooking on electric and have always been skeptical of gas...If my father were still alive and cooking on a smoothtop, it would be disaster, I think he loved to see how hot he could get the pans and how much smoke he could generate... Love this website. Keep up your postings and I will continue to read and contribute my experiences.

Ann
02/08/05

I am looking for the whirlpool cooktop polishing creme. Does anyone know where to find this? It is a 20oz plastic bottle?

Rebecamudhonie@yahoo.com
02/14/05

Do you know of anyway to remove the marks from aluminum on the black glass top?

Catherine
02/17/05

Ann,

Is there any particular reason why you specificaly need the Whirlpool polishing cream? As for me, I use CERAMA BRYTE and it works great! They have a site www.creamabryte.com
or you can reach them at
1-800-578-home

Kathykathyjacks@aol.com
02/21/05

Hi,
I bought a frigidaire speckled black smooth top range.I love it so far.I clean every day wheather I cook or not with the weimans glass top cleaner.The pans I use are cooks essentials.I bought this set years ago from qvc.They work great.My only question is I have a tiny itty bitty speck of something burnt onto the burner.I can hardley see it but I am wondering where to buy the scraper?

kathykathyjacks@aol.com
02/21/05

JUst wondering if all the cream cleaner stuff is the same or if one is better then the other. I am using the Weiman that came with my frigidaire smooth top range.I have heard that ceramabryte is better???Is there really any difference.

ellen
02/21/05

According to my readers, the cream cleaners don't all work equally well, if you read through this thread, you will see the recommendations.

The scraper is a razor blade in a handle, it is flat not pointy (NEVER risk gouging or scraping the ceramic top), and you get them at old-fashioned hardware or paint stores.

kathykathyjacks@aol.com
02/22/05

I am so confused after reading all the comments about the mr. clean magic eraser on the ceran top stoves.Mine is brand new and I don't want to risk damaging it. Several people including ellen have said they are great and one person gave a warning that they are not to be used on ceramic tops.I love them but I love my stove more.!

Brendabramz@verizon.net
02/23/05

I have used the Weimans creme and Barkeeper's Friend. I can't see any difference. BOTH require a little elbow grease if you have a stain. I clean my top after EVERY use to alleviate anything getting cooked onto the top permanently.

Annie
02/23/05

I would like to purchase a ceramic top range. I dislike my coil one (it's old) as it's hard to clean if stuff boils over etc. I have Lagostina pots and pans. Are they OK on the glass top? Can anyone please recommend a good brand and or model of stove? Are there any plus' or minus' I should be aware of? I really want to make the right purchase and would like your comments/suggestions. I'm also open to a convection oven. Does that pose a big problem with following recipes? Perhaps a dual one (regular and convection)?? Thanks so much!

Annie
02/23/05

Just to add ..... we kind of have our eye on a Kitchen Aid and a Whirlpool smooth-top range. I forget the model numbers. I believe they both had convection. Does anybody have these? Thanks!

Angie
02/27/05

I just purchased my first black ceramic cooktop stove from Kitchenaid. After cooking on it only three times the two front burners have cloudy marks on them and no amount of polishing or cleaning gets them off. I have complained and they are replacing the cooktop but now I'm wondering if I should just have it replaced with a coil model....Also, I did notice that it takes forever for water to boil and I hate the heat turning on and off....Any suggestions?

Geofffarvatten@yahoo.com
02/28/05

Hi,

I dropped a candle holder on top of my Frigidaire ceramic cook top Gallery Series (model FEF389WJCB). I found I can simply replace the glass top piece unit.

I found the black glass top at this website for $239. Any home handy person can remove the top with screws, unplug first of course. My new top was in stock and should be here in 3 days.

They have free repair help Online as well as by Email. They also have an easy to use Parts Search for virtually every brand and model of home appliances.

With thousands of part photos, breakdown diagrams, and readily available repair tips they take the hassle out of repair problems.

AppliancePartsPros.com: http://www.appliancepartspros.com/?ref=taf

Thanks.
geoff

ps. thanks for this thread to let me know I am not alone... :)

Cathy
02/28/05

I use ceramabrite and it works great. It doesn't get everything off...for that I use my trusty razor blade (the manufacturer recommends that I use it, and it saves a lot of elbow grease)

kathykathyjacks@aol.com
02/28/05

ANGIE
It actually takes less time for water to boil on my glass top then it did on my reg stove. You may need to check your cookware . What is it made of. Does it have a perfectly smoothed bottom and if is warped it may not have max contact with the burner. Also the stains , I believe I read on here are from aluminum or copper pans. Can't remember which.That may also explain how slow to heat it is. Some material used in pot and pan conduct less heat then others.I am new to this but I hope this helps you out.

Catherine
03/01/05

Angie,
I also believe what Kathy said about the stain. When I bought my smoothtop, I also bought my cookware and made sure it was smoothtop compatible. So probably your cookware stained your cooktop....sorry

Lanettalanettaroy@sbcglobal.net
03/04/05

Hi Ellen, I am getting my kitchen done with handicapped cab. cooktop etc. The contractor so far has put in the elec. wiring for the ceramic cooktop. After reading these problems, I am going to ask for my gas cooktop. I already know how to use gas and I don't have the energy to do that maticulous cleaning everyone is talking about. I have Ms and taking liver medicine. I barely can clean the gas stove maybe once a week. But I can use regular pots and regular dish water.

Lanettalanettaroy@sbcglobal.ne
03/04/05

This message is in addition to the one I juse sent. It says a little more of a person that is in not so good condition. Hi Mary, I was looking at the statements on the net. I came accross Mary's with the Oxygen who said it was too much for her and she hated it. I have Multiple Sclerosis and I am doing liver treatment now with a 1000 side effects. My kitchen is being done as we speak. I told
the contractor to put in a ceramic stove. He has done the elec part but I have not got the stove yet. After reading all these problems, I don't need to have to clean anything that is hard work. I, like you, am sick and I think I will ask the contractor switch back to my gas. I was thinking ceramic would be easier but now I don't think so. Someone said that
the pots are heavy. My strength in my arms won't pick up heavy pots along with heavy food in them. What is your take on this? I am very interested in what you think. thanks, Lanetta

ellen
03/04/05

The pots that are best for a ceramic top ARE heavier than those you can use on other stoves. Have you checked with your area agency on aging or country health department to see what your cpounty has available for housekeeping help for the chronically ill? The wait is often long, so get on the list asap.

Margaret
03/05/05

Remodeling my kitchen, have used Jenn-air coil cooktop about 12 years and loved it. Should I go with smooth top or stay with a coil. They need to put convection in slide-in with coils.

ellen
03/05/05

If you love the Jenn-Air, why switch? Convection ovens are easy to use- I actually like them better thanegular ovens.

KATHYKATHYJACKS@AOL.COM
03/07/05

HI EVERYONE,
I am still loving my smooth top. Lanetta , to me it is alot easier to clean a glass top but I am not sure what the problem is with others having a hard time cleaning them.I would cook on a friends and clean it before buying one or rent one for a week. YOu can rent by the week from places like rent america, and rent a centers.That way if you
Margeret I agree with ellen why switch if you like what you are using.Most people switch to glass tops because they dont' like to clean coils. Convection ovens are the best thing since sliced bread .I would definitely give them a try.

Margaret
03/07/05

In remodeling I am changing from built in Jenn-air oven with self-clean, delay start and convec. The only slide-in range I can find with all these great features is one with a glass top. After reading all the negative comments on this site and yesterday let a pot boil over, I thought about what would have happened if I had had a glass top. I found a slide-in Maytag (coil)with self clean and delay start, but no convec. Even contacted Maytag and suggested they build one with convec. Hate to give up my Jenn-air but space is a factor in what I want to do.

Lee Jonesleelee.jones@comcast.net
03/07/05

Help. I used an abrasive cleaner on my tempered oven glass door causing several scratches. How do I get rid of the scratches on my oven door??? Please e-mail me with an answer.

radar
03/07/05

I like the ceramic better than the coil type. cleaning is easier. I just use the razor blade scraper and ceramic cleaner similiar to those that came with the stove 10 years ago. I scrape first then rub on some cleaner and let it set a few minutes. Then wipe it off. I clean the top about once a month and the oven gets self cleaned about twice a year. I have used about every type of pot or pan that all the above replies say not use and have had no problems. I have even turned on the burners with no pot on them, I tend to slide rather than lift, have dropped heavy cast iron skillets on it, took hot stuff out of the oven and put on it, put aluminum foil dull side up in the oven (take foil out to self clean)and spilled about everything you can imagine on it and it still looks pretty good. As someone mentioned above the paint has peeled where the oven vents near the right rear burner. The stove is a Kenmore with a Ceran black and gray speckeled top. Have even dropped the hammer on it. The Sears guy that sold it to me even demonstrated its toughness by whacking a demo with a hammer. Luckily I havent had to replace any parts yet and from the prices I just noticed on the sears parts website I can buy another one cheaper than I can repair this one.

radar
03/08/05

lee, i have never polished glass or tried the below product. I just remember from my old astronomy classes that cerium oxide is used to polish lenses. the below website has products for restoring glass. give them a call. you can do a search on glass polishing or scratch removal from glass.

http://www.scratchpolish.com/repair_systems.htm

Carolinepeachprs@bellsouth.net
03/08/05

I have a two year old Thermador black glass top stove top with downdraft that I dearly love. I'm using my old (15 years old) Analon pans which I periodically ship back to the manufacturer for new ones as they're guaranteed for life! Cleaning this stove is a dream. I use the recommended glass cleaner and my trusty razor blade. Aside from cleaning, this particular stove cooks better than any stove I've ever had, gas or electric. It almost has a brain. It wasn't cheap, it was a high-end model and worth every penny. So all of you changing your minds about buying one after reading these posts, just remember that you really do get what you pay for. You will probably live with a stove a long time so buy the very best one you can afford, it's cheaper in the long run.

radar
03/08/05

Ellen, has anyone tried ZUD cleaner for removing some of those gray stains on smooth stove tops? It contains oxalic acid and a polishing compound. If I tried it I wouldnt want to rub it as it might leave a frosted or scratched look due to the polishing compound. I have used it with pretty good results removing rust stains from porcelain toilet bowls and tubs. The Naval Jelly you mentioned is jelled phosphoric acid and works well getting rust off metal. Phosphoric acid is the main ingredient for a some of the wonder cleaners for tile and porcelain. It is also used as a food preservative. Sulfamic acid is another. Hydrofloric acid is used to etch or frost glass, so I dont think I would try that.

Angie
03/08/05

SafeTelement
Paul, Concerning the SafeTelement you bought...are they expensive and do you just set them on top your electric coils or are there installation requirements? Thanks for any info...by the way, I am trading my new ceramic cooktop in for the good old reliable electric coil...too many DO NOTS with the ceramic and the shiny black burners on my Kitchenaid have numerous cloudy marks on them. I love to cook, but on this range I'm apprehensive everytime I turn the burner on. Takes away all the fun of cooking.

Carolyn Arnowccarnow@aol.com
03/09/05

I love my black top ceramic range and never have any problems keeping it clean. Just usually use a spray-on cleaner, rinse and dry. About once every couple of weeks, I use the special cleaner. NOW, ABOUT THE COOKWARE! I have found absolutely, absolutely the best cookware is Ultrex (Home Shopping Network). It is non-stick with a 75-year warranty on the no stick properties. I had a pretty new set of cookware that was nice and expensive. However, I succumbed and bought just one "try me" pan from HSN. I was HOOKED on the Ultrex and have since replaced all my cookware with this. Nice and heavy with a thick, flat bottom disk. Holds the heat and you can use less electricity!

Sam
03/09/05

By mistake I marked up my new black Ceran Kitchenaid cook top with a nylon-cotton mix sweatshirt. My elbow wiped the hot cooktop and now the nylon is glued on tight. Will a new razor blade really get this stuff off? Pls send any tips. Does the razor leave any markings on the Ceran?

radar
03/09/05

Sam, my stove with a Ceran top came with a single edge razor blade scraper and a cleaner for smooth top stoves. You can find the cleaner and scraper at Walmart, Lowes, or Home Depot. The razor blade will work just fine, I've used mine for 10 years. Just don't hold the scraper perpendicular or 90 degrees to the surface. Any angle from 0 to 75 degrees is fine. Holding the blade vertical or 90 degrees might chip or scratch the top. The instructions for my stove said not to use abrasives or wire brushes. They recommended only the razor blade and ceramic cleaner.

radar
03/10/05

Ellen, the following is copied from the Schott company website that makes Ceran for smooth top stoves/ranges.

Cleaning - CERAN® cooktop panels are so easy to clean

Your CERAN® cooking surface is developed to be easy to use and to look great. The following hints and tips will help you to keep it that way for a long time to come.

Tip: Clean your CERAN® cooking surface regularly, preferably after each time you use it.

First remove any burnt-on deposits or spilled food from your CERAN® cooking surface with a suitable metal razor scraper (similar to scraping paint off of your windowpanes in your home - it will not damage the decorated cooking surface). Hold the scraper at approximately a 30° angle to the cooktop. For your safety, please wear a mitt potholder while using the metal scraper.
When the cooking surface has cooled down apply a few dabs (about the size of a dime) of an approved cleaner in each burner area and work the cleaning crème over the cooktop surface with a damp paper towel as if you were cleaning a window.
As a final step, clean with clear water and wipe the cooktop surface with a clean, dry paper towel.
Important: If any sugar or food containing sugar (preserves, ketchup, tomato sauce, etc.), a plastic item or kitchen foil accidentally melts on the hot surface of your smoothtop, remove the molten material IMMEDIATELY with a metal razor scraper (it will not damage the decorated cooking surface) while the cooking surface is still hot to avoid the risk of damage to the CERAN® surface. For your safety please wear a mitt potholder while cleaning the hot cooking surface.

!!! Do not use abrasive sponges or scouring pads of any type. Corrosive cleaners such as oven sprays, cleaners containing chlorine or ammonia and stain removers should not be used.

Scratches resulting from daily use are quite harmless and only impair the visual effect. There is no need to worry if something spills or boils over. Even burned-on food can be easily removed using the metal scraper. Please make sure that all deposits are removed before the cooking surface will be used again.

Following these simple hints will ensure that your CERAN® cooking surface will look good for a long time to come.

The following cleaners were successfully tested and approved by SCHOTT for CERAN® cooking surfaces:

Ellen the below is from the Schott website for the recommended cookware for Ceran. www.us.schott.com

Cookware: Size, shape, and material

What kind of cookware does SCHOTT recommend?

The bases of pots and pans should be slightly concave at room temperature, as it slightly expands when it gets hot. This ensures that it sits flush with the cooking surface resulting in the most efficient use of the heat. Please ensure that the pan base is the same size as the cooking zone

Glass-ceramic cookware is not really suitable because of its poor conductance and it's potential to scratch the CERAN® cooking surface.

Watch out for aluminium!
Pots and pans with copper and/or aluminum bases are not recommended because they are softer than the CERAN® cooking surface and tend to leave small particles, which are difficult to remove. If those particles are not immediately removed with an appropriate cleaning agent, they may burn onto the surface and mar its appearance.

Every pan base should be clean, dry and ridge-free to prevent any residue from burning onto the cooktop panel. It also prevents scratches and other damages or deposits (such as lime specks).

Why should the bottoms of pots and pans be slightly concave?

The base of a pot or pan slightly expands when hot, thus making it sit flush with the cooking surface and ensuring the most efficient use of the heat.

Which pot and pan sizes are best suitable?

For best cooking results use stainless steel or enameled steel pots and pans. The base of the stainless steel pans with sandwich bottoms should be 4-6 mm thick and the base of enameled steel pans should be 2-3 mm thick.

The diameter of the pot should correspond to the diameter of the cooking zone; then the heating energy is optimally used and energy consumption is kept low.

Is it possible to place cookware incorrectly onto the cooktop panel?

No, it's not. CERAN® cooktop panels are perfectly flat, so all pots and pans will stand securely, without the risk of overturning.

Please ensure that the pan base is the same size as the cooking zone.

Recommendations for suitable cookware

Why should the bottom of cookware be clean and dry?

The bottom of the cookware should be clean, dry and ridge-free to prevent any residue from burning onto the cooktop panel, scratching or other damage or deposits (such as lime specks).

Wendywjohnson39@sc.rr.com
03/11/05

on smoothtop cleaning cremes... I've tried three. EasyOff Smoothtop cleaner, Weiman's Cooktop, and Ceramabryte. In my opinion, Weiman's is the best (as it requires less elbow grease)...second would be EasyOff. Though Weiman's is only slightly better at getting off those burned on stain things. EasyOff has some perfume in it, has a totally different texture (runnier), and is a bright blue color. Weiman's is thicker, almost like a paste. Using it reminds me of waxing a car. As for Ceramabryte, I've never purchased anything more useless in my life. It's a few dollars more than the others and it did nothing that a wet paper towel couldn't do. Plus...look at the ingredients on Ceramabryte and compare them to SoftScrub. It's a seven dollar bottle of SoftScrub!!!!

"Mits"ms_ditzy@highstream.net
03/11/05

After reading every post here, I got so much varied information, that I'm more confused than ever! I just purchased a Kenmore (made by Whirlpool) smooth top(blk) radiant stove, and sure hope I didn't make a mistake! I went intending to buy a coil stove, but got such a great deal and figured I'd get something better than average, as I deserve the best, right? Well, I've taken notes, learned a bunch here, and will hope for the best! Now I can't use most of my Farberware Millennium cookware, as the 10" skillet's bottom is actually 7 1/2", because the pan is angled up from the bottom to be 10", etc. Now afraid to use my trusty old Revereware, forget all my Corningware, and now it seems I'll have to replace some trusted and expensive cookware with some even more expensive products, buy an "extra burner" and teach my son how to use the stove when he comes home from college, and pray he'll listen (he won't!), as I live in my RV all summer, and he'll be doing his own cooking. So I get to worry my self sick! I didn't get the extended warranty, did get it at Sears, saw here that was mistake as well! So, anyone out there that has found the ideal cookware to fit the 9" and 6" burners on this stove, so I don't get the rings, pings, cracks and hassles, please please please let me know the brand and place to purchase! Shoulda got the gas line put in a got what I know is the best, a good ole gas range. Thanks to all who have posted here, and I'm glad I found your site Ellen!

Ashly
03/11/05

Well, Yesterday I came upon this forum and let me tell you this info gave me nightmares last night. You see I was having a Kitchenaid ceramic top range delivered this morning. When the installer came in I promptly asked him to see if I could hook up to gas fairly easy. So, with all these ceramic horror stories I'm having a Kitchenaid gas range delivered tomorrow. Boy do I feel lucky and relieved to have read Ellens Kitchen. A GRAND THANK YOU!!!

ellen
03/12/05

Ashly, hope you are very happy with your choice, and Wendy, thanks for your comparison.

Mits, often, you can purchase the extended warranty on an item for 30-90 days after the original purchase- some stores, up to 1 year! So check on this. Also, I have never understood why we accept our family, especially men folks, being stupid, careless or lazy... maybe get your son to make a stove deposit and give it back at the end of the summer?

Cindy
03/12/05

It seems as though our emails are all reading the same. I found this site by typing in radiant+ranges+complaints and did I ever find them! I have a tired ole Amana electric coil stove and am looking to replace it. Of course the ceramic smooth style ranges appealed to me and I spent about 3 weeks checking them all out at local stores. I thought I had made my decision to purchase one until I found this site - then the doubts started. I took an inventory of my array of pots and pans - I own a little bit of everything(aluminum,stainless, copper,and ridged bottoms - my favorite being my 30 year old copper bottom Revereware along with a ridged-bottom square pan. I also thought about my varied expertise of cooking styles which I have amassed over 30 years of cooking including boiling things over, scorching pots, melting everything from S & P shakers to Tupper-ware type containers (which will probably happen more in my next 30 years of cooking!) I always take items out of the oven and place them on the stove top. I like to make omelettes by running my pan back and forth over the burner and I roast meat often and simply put the oval roasting pans on top of the burner to make my gravy. I just can't see myself changing, or why I should have to for that matter, simply because I was thinking a ceramic topped range would be the way to go! We do have the option of running a gas line for a gas stove since our furnace does use LP gas. I just called the small local business from whom I was considering purchasing a new stove and found I can buy the same radiant convection range I wanted in a gas model for exactly the same price! My daughter has had the opportunity to use a gas range for the last 9 months and has been encouraging me to go gas and although, Ellen, I have only had the opportunity to meet through you this complaint site I had typed in to find - I certinly have concluded you like gas and I figure that anyone who has a complete web site called Ellen's Kitchen should certainly know what they are talking about. Now that I have figured out that I should buy a gas range - I will have more time to explore your web site! Thanks.

"Mits"ms_ditzy@highstream.net
03/13/05

Thanks Ellen, a good idea to take a deposit from my son to use the stove for the summer! Anytime one has a deposit on something, they are a little more carefull. I've decided to look into buying that extended warranty, though I got an incredible deal, if it goes "kaput", then I guess I could just get a gas range. In the meantime, I'm going to put it to the test and post here if anything happens! Yesterday I replaced my steel teapot with a smooth bottom enamel on steel one(The one I was using has a deep ridge on the bottom). New pot instructions state to heat it on low to medium, so will it be okay to use, being it's not painted, but enamel? It fits the 6" burner. I had another question. If a pot/pan is a little less then the burner size, is it a fire/burn problem, or will it hurt the stove? Never read why anyplace. Also of most importance, I really can't take something out of the oven and set it on the cold stove top? Thanks so much

Linda
03/14/05

I just had my ceramic cooked top stove installed yesterday. Boy, do I wish I had found this web-site before purchasing it! I can tell that I'm not going to like it. It took so much longer to heat up water for pasta than my 32 yr. old coil range! I'm going back to Sears today to see if I can exchange it for a good ole' coil range. This stove is too high-maintenance for me! (Gas stoves are the best , but I don't have a gas hook-up.) Do you think they will take it back??? Thanks

ellen
03/14/05

If you charged it, you have more luck returning. Don't say you want to wxchange because you don't like it, say because it does not heat satisfactorily.

Re baking dish on stove top: yes, you really can't take something out of the oven and set it on the cold stove top; it may crack the stove top. Put down a DRY dishtowel or hot pads.

wendywjohnson39@sc.rr.com
03/14/05

Linda: I don't have a gas hook-up either :(. I have a kenmore smoothtop and just had the top replaced after having it for about 11 months. The good news is that you don't have to purchase the extended warranty to get the damaged top replaced. The bad news is that I had to argue with the service guy who came to my home who assessed the damage as a "stain" ha ha ha. I said, "OH NO!!! That is where the pattern wore off!!! He ordered the part and replaced it because the pattern wearing off of a smoothtop is covered under warranty for a year after purchase. I also would like to add that the Sears customer service was HORRIBLE...I was on hold for 23 minutes with one of the many phone calls I had to make and after going through the menu from hell. Not to mention, they schedule you for "morning" or afternoon", so you have to stay chained to your house and phone for half a day to wait for someone to show up. The first time I scheduled, sears called at the last minute and said there service guy was out sick and that I needed to call their 800 number to set up another apt. Did that... then the day of the next apt he calls and leaves a message saying that he was "hoping I was going to be home today" so he could service my appliance and to call the 800 number to reschedule!!!! Didn't leave the cell number (he was calling from) so that I could just call him right back to confirm (not that I should even have to do that, being home the entire morning)!!!! After all isn't that the point of telling a person to be home from 8-12???

Mits: As for pan size on the burners, I use bigger pans all the time and haven't had a problem...The only problem with using pans 'smaller' than the burner is that the sensors over compensate and over heat the food. If I have to use a tiny pot, I just turn the heat a LOT lower than I would normally cook at. Other than feeling the heat radiating off the exposed part, I haven't had any problem. But you get that with a coil range, too.... Maybe in the future they'll design them with all the burners different sizes...like to match a SET of pots.

Lindalloliv@mindspring.com
03/15/05

Well, I was able to exchange my ceramic top stove for a coil one. I guess I got lucky with the salesgirl at my local Sears and she did the exchange without any problem. I guess I'm an old-fashioned girl who likes the way the coils work. I think you can control the heat better with them. I agree with Wendy, sometimes Sears isn't very good with customer service, but like I said I was lucky and they are going to do the exchange without even charging me for delivery again!

greiggreigcorlett@gmail.com
03/17/05

we got a ceramic cooktop when we remodelled our kitchen at our old house and i wasn't too keen on it because it was always dirty, the only problem we had with it was the white enamel chipped off around the edge but we got that replaced as it was a manufacturing fault. but since moving and using coils again and finding them slow and extremely hard to clean i would go back to the old ceramic cooktop any day. we have just moved again and were given an atlas oven with a smooth top. i am looking forward to getting it installed.

as for cleaning we only did it when it got dirty realy. a quick scrape with a razor blade and a polish. a good clean probably once a month. it still looked like new 5 years down the track

I think that you have to realy research what you get I would only buy a ceramic top that is at least 3mm thick some are only 1.5 which would be quicker heating but are not as strong and more prone to cracking.

also the ceran glass seems to be the way to go as it can easily withstand high variances in temporature and is very hard and strong

as for pots and pans the only things i would say no to is aluminium and glass i have never used cast iron so can't comment there. we have always used non stick steel or stainless

Karen
03/24/05

I found this website because I was searching for a way to clean scorched-on milk on my new ceramic top Frigidaire range. We just replaced the old coil stove that was in our house when we bought it.
However, we had a ceramic top Whirlpool range in our house in NC for 3 years and never had one problem. We have lived in many houses w/ many stoves, and it was our favorite. I think that water heats much faster on the glass cooktop than on coils. We have Calphalon pans, and always have, so changing pans was not an issue for us.
I always took hot things out of the oven and put them on the stovetop w/ out problems. I'm not recommending that you do it, after reading all the suggestions here, but nothing ever happened to my stove. I was more concerned about scratching the surface than I was about it cracking.
Don't be afraid to use the razor blade. It seems a little odd to scrape and not have it scratch the glass, but it works.
Thanks for all the suggestions about cleaners and the hint about the Dremel tool.

Lisa
03/26/05

wow what a great discussion.... I have had my kitchenaid cooktop for 4 years..LOVE IT! I have had both electric and gas ranges in the past. I no longer spend hours soaking and scrubbing (with a toothbrush no doubt) the coils/burners. I never remeber my gas stove being really clean.

The smoothtop is fab and cleanup is a breeze. I use windex or 409 after every use and occassionaly use the ceramic cleaner. Tough spots get a quick swipe with a razor blade.

I have saved many hours cleaning since my new cooktop.

Angela
03/29/05

I sure wish that I had a gas range. I haven't had many problems with my cooktop and have found it very easy to clean using the Whirlpool cleaner that came with the range. I am a very careful cooker. I'm normally stay in the kitchen while I am cooking in order to prevent boil overs and such. However, what will I do when guests visit and decide to cook? The thought of this makes me pretty nervous. The ceramic cooktop and the porcelain sinks that I have in my kitchen may be the worst purchases I have ever made. Too many worries for me.

Jay
03/31/05

Jenn aire electric oven - how to self clean??
Please help. Just moved in to a 12-year-old house with Jenn Aire electric oven and cooktop. Oven inside badly needs a cleaning but previous owner left no manuals behind. Anyone have a clue about the self clean procedure? Thanks!

julie b.
03/31/05

I have had my new ceramic smooth top free standing range, Kenmore brand from Sears, for two weeks. So far I am very pleased with it. I have owned all kinds of ranges; electric coil top, natural gas top, and lp gas top. Electric coil and gas top ranges are all time-consuming to clean. I find that the ceramic top is very easy. Read the instructions with your manual and use the ceramic cleaner with a paper towel and voila! I did a lot of research before I made my purchase...looked at Viking, Kitchen Aid, GE Profile, etc. I wanted many features such as a large oven (5.4 cu), true convection w/3rd element, hidden bake element (for easy cleaning in the oven), simmer control, high- out put burner (3000 watts), and a warming drawer. I got all of this with the Kenmore for under $1000 (Sears item #02296619000 Mfr. model #96619 ). If you read Appliance magazine they feature this model in their current issue. Back to the issue of what types of cookware should be used on the ceramic tops, I find that ScanPan works great. The pots are medium weight so they don't move around on the cooktop and the bottoms are completely flat for the most efficient transfer of heat from cooktop to pot. Plus the cookware is dishwasher safe, unlike other pricey cookware (anodized aluminum).

Carol
04/01/05

I have a Jennair black smoothtop. One of the burners has stopped working completely. The light doesn't come on and it doesn't heat. Another burner only heats on high no matter what you set it to. Does anyone know if this is repairable or would I be better off replacing it? I think it is about 5 years old.
I would really rather have gas, but I will keep it if the repairs are cheap enough.

julie b.
04/01/05

ceramic cook top-JennAir electric oven
RE: Jenn aire electric oven - how to self clean??
Please help. Just moved in to a 12-year-old house with Jenn Aire electric oven and cooktop. Oven inside badly needs a cleaning but previous owner left no manuals behind. Anyone have a clue about the self clean procedure? Thanks!

You can contact JennAir's customer service by email and they should be able to send you an owner's manual if you give them the model number from yours. I have done this before for other appliances. And, they should have tips on oven cleaning. Good luck!

Steve M.
04/05/05

YES!! Thank you for information from manufacturer on removing things from cooktop. It worked!!!! I searched for plastic+melt+cooktop and found your site on Google. My situation was a little different than others. My 2 year old got a hold of a baseball cap (remember, polyester is just plain old hard plastic spun into tiny fibers) and somehow flung it onto a cooktop my wife had just turned off. So I hear him saying, "Look!Look!" while my 4 year old is just looking and laughing as Grandpop's hat that he left behind today was going up in smoke! Tried to wipe some of it up, but it quickly hardened to, well, hard plastic. Forget about wiping. But I saw entry above regarding glass top - and it then it occurred to me too, that glass is much harder than metal, and metal harder than plastic - viola! I got an old fashioned razor blade scraper, gently scraped back and forth, and the plastic (cooled and hard and black by this point) came RIGHT OFF and now the top is perfect. SO my advice, anything really hard, sticky, wont come off, simply use a razor blade scraper! Woohooooo!!!! Thanks folks for your page and the info!!!

Dondharingt@uark.edu
04/08/05

I have read all the stuff about using a razor blade and various cleaners to clean a Ceran burner, but my burner has a big black spot in the center of it that will not come off with any amount of scraping or scrubbing. Should I just buy a new stove top unit?

ellen
04/08/05

If you can stand the look, it can be used till it cracks or breaks down. You CAN replace the glass top only if it still works fine, usually this is cheaper than replacing the whole stove. Sorry, but nobody has come up with a way to get this off.

Sandra Garrisongrrs51@wvi.com
04/10/05

Hi,

Do you have a cleaner for glasstop stoves.
I have a burnt deposit that will not come off, I have scraped and put glasstop cleaner, nothing works. It mifgt be in the glass, like maybe wore throughn or like a discoloration. My warranty won"t cover it, they say, it is cosmetic. What can I do?

Thank you

Sandra Garrison
grrs51@wvi.com
rsvp

Ellahomespecialties@bellsouth.net
04/15/05

How do I clean a copper pan that has been burnt without scratching it?

Jonjonanancker@aol.com
04/16/05

We have just cleaned old rusty cast iron griddles with naval jelly and are about to remove that. How do we get them ready to cook on?

Myra B. ClarkMyraBClark@msn.com
04/17/05

Can u cook with an iron skillet on a ceramic cooktop?

gary
04/21/05

I am on my second ceramic cooktop and the only thing good about them, that I can say, is that they are beautiful to look at...I am a chef by trade and I would have gas if the condo I live in had a gas line...You have to re-train yourself to cook and they can be near impossible to clean...I clean mine after every use...I have to say however, since I started reading the messages on this site, I tried using the Weiman's quick wipes and it has made my life a whole lot easier...Thanks for the tip...The next thing I wanna try is the Armour All Auto Glass Cleaner...That was suggested on this site...However, I do have one question, does anyone know of a way to get rid of light scratches on the cooktop, or at least reduce their appearence...Believe me I am a perfectionist and I am very careful with my stove and still I have a few scrathes...If anyone can help, please respond on this site...Thanks

JaneQuinley01@apl.com
04/21/05

Just a note to those of you who post on the board. I sure wish you would indicate what brand of stove you use, etc.

I have had my GE smooth top now since January and have had no problems as yet. I have the gray speckled top with black burners.

I'm not a particularly "neat" cook and have lots of splatters when I fry things, but I don't mind cleaning the stove top after EVERY use with the Cerama Cream that came with it. It takes a whole lot less time to clean it each time than it took to clean and/or wrap drip pans each week which was never satisfactory with me as I never could get everything off the drip pans and hated the look of them being aluminum wrapped. I also hated that every time I cooked, brown crud appeared on the stove top under the ring portion of the drip pan and that eventually the cleaning of this crud would take off the porcelain or paint of the stove.

One other thing that I'll mention that I don't think anyone else has commented on. It may be my imagination, but it seems as if the bottom of my pans stay much cleaner when I cook on the smooth top. Has anyone else noticed this?

Lauri
04/21/05

I have had a black ceramic cooktop for nearly 11 years and have been very happy with it. I clean it after each use with a little barkeepers friend and a damp dishcloth. It still looks great but I have decided to upgrade to a new Maytag convection range with a white ceramic top. I have been using my stainless steel with copper bottom cookware on the black top and have not had a problem. After reading this though I am seriously considering shopping for some new cookware. I do not want to risk damaging my brand new top. What in the world kind should I buy? Several brands have been mentioned here but can anyone tell me for sure what brand they recommend for a white top. Thanks.....

Jackpc_note@hotmail.com
04/25/05

I have a frigidaire glass top stove. I have had the over for about a year.
I have used the self clean feature only once, and it was at the low setting.
I just cleaned my over last week at the high setting and now have found that the glass top has several cracks in it. Has this ever happened to anyone else?

Marine1Marine01@cox.net
04/25/05

I have a new Frigidaire Gallery, all white. I bought it about three months ago. At first I hated it, as my old pots and pans made marks on the white top that were hard to get off. After reading comments here, I bought a single edge razer blade and that, along with the cream, it's not bad cleaning up any mess. My owner's book did say to watch out for aluminum and glass pots or pans, as they would have a tendency to scratch the top. I did buy some new ones that was part stainless on aluminum. Stainless on the bottom and inside. Aluminum in between.

Pegbugler@rionet.org
04/25/05

Having just read this entire thread, I was compelled to go into the kitchen, turn on the light on my hood, put my face up close and personal to my 6 year-old GE ceramic range and examine it really, really carefully. It could pass for new, and I cook LOTS. I spend very little time cleaning the thing; wipe up spills ASAP, use Weiman's cleaner as needed--but certainly not every day--and the razorblade scraper that came with the stove when needed. Never slide pans around on the cooktop, pick them up and set them down. It's fine to put hot pans on a cold burner, my owner's manual even says so, and I do it all the time. That's it, and I swear to you, the top is immaculate.

Bought new cookware when we got this stove, as many of my old pots & pans did the rock and roll on the new cook surface. Farberware Millenium which has the aluminum disk sandwiched in 18/10 stainless steel. It's not All-Clad, but neither was the price. I have been happy with it and it performs well with the stove. The flat bottom is critical, and you can test your cookware by putting the straight edge of a ruler across the bottom. If you can see light, it won't work.

Someone wrote about the water never coming to a boil, check the bottom of your pan. If it's not flat, that may be the problem. Mine heats very fast.

You can use a wok, but it must--as mentioned earlier in this thread--be a flat bottomed wok. I have canned tons with no problem. The only thing my manual says is the pan's bottom must be flat. My pressure canner is heavy cast aluminum and for water bath I use my graniteware stockpot. Both work just fine.

To be fair, we recently went to another state to care for my in-laws after she was incapicated by a fall, and I cooked for weeks on her Amana cooktop which is newer than mine. If that were my only experience with ceramic, I'd be less than impressed. It didn't heat well, although I will admit her cookware is awful. We did buy a new pan for her, which I practically wore out before we left, as it was the only one fit to use. Still, her Amana wasn't as good as my GE here.

Spent many years cooking on gas (which I absolutely love) and prior to that on electric coil, but no gas hookup here, so we bought this stove. I LOVE IT and would buy another in a heartbeat.

Someone earlier posted information from a manufacturer's website. This is long, so in a separate post, I will cut & paste some information on cookware for ceramic cooktops from GE's website. It also gives a good explanation of the reasons not to use cast iron.

Hope this helps. As I said, I love gas, but I love this ceramic, too.

Pegbugler@rionet.ord
04/25/05

http://www.geappliances.com/geac/faqs/

Types of Cookware that Can Be Used on the Smooth Glass Cooktop

Flat Bottom pans are essential for good cooking performance since the bottom of the pan needs to touch the glass for the best heat transfer. Most current brands sold today have flat bottoms. Much older, used cookware and/or thinner cookware will show signs of no longer being flat. Non-flat pans may crack the glass.

Use Medium or Heavy-Weight cookware.

Stainless Steel is highly recommended. A sandwich clad bottom is especially good because it combines the durability and stability of stainless steel with the heat conduction and distribution of aluminum or copper.

Heavy-Weight Aluminum cookware is also recommended. It conducts heat faster than other metals and cooks evenly. Aluminum residue sometimes appears as scratches on the cooktop, but these can be removed if cleaned immediately.

Copper Bottom pans are also good, but they can leave residues on the cooktop that appear as scratches. These can be removed if cleaned immediately, but do not let a copper bottom pan boil dry. An overheated copper pot will leave a residue that will permanently stain the cooktop.

Porcelain/Enamel pans give good performance only if they have a thick, flat bottom. Avoid boiling these pans dry, as porcelain can melt and fuse to the surface.

Glass or Ceramic cookware is not recommended. These pans may scratch the surface. Glass is a poor conductor of heat so cooking times will be longer and they may require constant attention during cooking.

Stoneware is not recommended. It may scratch the surface and will give poor performance.

Cast Iron cookware is not recommended. If the cookware has a burr or rough spot, it will scratch the glass surface. Additionally, it is slow to absorb heat. Once this type of cookware heats up, especially on hi heat it holds an intense amount of heat which is transferred to the cooktop. This can cause the element to shut down as a response to the temperature limiters which indicate surface temperature is too high for cooktop components to handle.

Porcelain Coated Cast Iron cookware is okay as long as the cookware is covered completely with porcelain enamel. Caution is recommended when using cast iron cookware that is not completely covered with smooth porcelain enamel, as it may scratch the glass ceramic cooktop. Additionally, if used at hi heat for a long period it will hold heat as described for plain cast iron and could shut down in response to the temperature limiters which indicate surface temperature is too high for cooktop components to handle.

Carbon Steel cookware is okay as long as the cookware has a flat bottom and is smooth to avoid scratching.

Titanium cookware tested well on ceramic cooktops. Ceramic titanium is a non-stick finish applied to a base metal. We tested one with aluminum as a base metal.

Paulie
04/27/05

I just bought a KitchenAid black smoothtop (no speckles) and would like to use my All-Clad Ltd, Calphalon, and Master Chef 2 pans, but am afraid I will ruin the cooktop by using anodized or brushed aluminum. When they say "no aluminum cookware" in the instructions, are they referring to cheap, thin, flimsy aluminum pans or all aluminum pans, including expensive, heavy-weight cookware?

And is it okay to use anodized aluminum on a ceramic cooktop? I hear a wide range of conflicting reports ranging from they are fine and perfectly acceptable or that they leave fine "scratches" that can be removed if the surface is cleaned immediately, to large brown, permanent stains. Any insight/experience would be greatly appreciated!

JaneQuinley01@aol.com
04/28/05

Pauline,

Confusing "ain't" it? I was confused too.

I obsessed over pots/pans. Made myself crazy. I ended up buying pan sizes I needed to fit my burners rather than buying a whole set of something & not be able to use two or three pans because the bottoms weren't the right size. For the most part I bought hard anodized aluminum pans--Calphalon as well as one or two other brands and I love them! Of course once I get really, really old, I won't be able to lift some of these bigger pans because of their weight. I did have it drilled in my head that one should never use lightweight aluminum.

I am one who does use the cream after each cooking, so I don't know if that is why I've had no problems with stains/scratches or not. I've had my GE since January and I've not had to use the razor blade once.

I've read where others think it is expensive to use the cream each time, but I don't think that at all. I was told to use about a quarter-sized dab on each burner. The little sample size lasted me over a month.

I also don't think that it is any trouble to use the cream after each meal. I'm going to clean up the mess on my stove after each meal anyway, and it doesn't make any more trouble to use the cream to clean it.

kevinarren1001@yahoo.com
04/29/05

I recently purchased a set of heavier anodized cookware to use on my glass top range. I inadvertently placed a small sauce pan in the dishwasher. Needless to say the external surface has a grey/white discoloration. Is there any way to remove this blemish?

Phyllisjpatton13@cox.net
04/29/05

I am on my second glass top. It is a Maytag. The first one seemed to get black spots on the underneath side. I had it replaced and now this one has done the same thing. It is not on top - just underneath and I can't get it off. Any suggestions?

Paulie
04/29/05

Kevin:
Unfortunately, I don't think you can remove the change in color of your anodized pan. Something about dishwasher detergent that causes a chemical reaction with the anodized aluminium surface that leaves a permanent mark. Fortunately, it was just one small saucepan and I don't think it will affect the performance of the pan.

Nancy Robertsnancy.roberts@asu.edu
05/01/05

My new glass top range is being deliverd next week. I'm a bit nervous after reading some of these messages. However what worries me the most is that we have a wok which we use about once a week. In the past we just placed it above the coils on our electric range. What will we do now????? HELP??? Any suggestions?
Nancy

Denidenikins19@yahoo.com
05/03/05

Wow...I'm sooo happy to have found this site. We bought our home a month ago and it came with a KitchenAid ceramic glass top GAS stove. Well, I have been having a fit with trying to clean this thing. Ugh! There is so much information on this site that it's difficult to figure out what to try first....Scotch Brite Pads, Barkeeper's or Weiman's? Help! I kept looking for a post that had a gas stove, but didn't notice any. Any thoughts? Thanks so much!

I use the following pans on my ceramic smooth top stove: Cuisinart Chef's Classic non-stick stainless steel skillet and a Cuisinart Everyday Stainless steel sauce pan. Neither of these pans leave a residue or scratch marks on my stove. They both have flat bottoms and heat up evenly. I purchased them from Amazon with free shipping. If you spend $125 on kitchen products from Amazon, you will receive $25 off until May 30.

Denidenikins19@yahoo.com
05/05/05

Yep, Ellen...a gas glass top was new to me as well. I bought the Weimen's last night and my Mom, Sister and I worked on that thing like crazy. Being that it's gas, it's even more difficult to clean because it's not a smooth top. (it definitely is a beautiful stove though inspite of the difficulties in cleaning it). Well, the Weimen's worked pretty well, overall. It recommended using a towel, paper towel or sponge. I used a paper towel and although I was getting that greasy look up from the stovetop, it left paper lint everywhere *laffin* (can't win, huh?). Soooo, I would think that a sponge is the best bet.

Again, I'm so glad I stumbled upon this site. I was turning grayer by the minute trying to figure out how to clean this darn thing! *s*

Margaret
05/05/05

Ellen, I can tell you like to cook on gas. Do you find the oven bakes as well as elec or would you recommend dual fuel. This is of course on a slide-in. Do sauces or sauteing do well on smooth tops. Sales person said no. In need of a new stove and so confused as to what to buy. Maytag gas, coil, or smooth top?? HELP

mccauleymccauleysumner@uky.edu
05/05/05

help!
I want to buy my mom new pots and pans for mother's day. She just got a new black glass top stove and her old pots and pans scratch the surface. what kind do I need to get her?

Janetjanetlschulze@aol.com
05/05/05

I found that you cannot use some pressure cookers. I had to buy a Presto (Walmart) and on the box it states "for all cooktops". The first one I had would not come up to pressure due to the flat ceramic top of my stove. The presto works fine. As for cast iron skillets, you can use them but will scratch the surface if you slide it across, so be careful.

ellen
05/06/05

Deni, the kitchen in my current apartment is 8 feet by 8 feet, no kidding, I am a big woman and when I am cooking, I feel like I am wearing it. In my ideal kitchen I would enjoy a gas cooktop, including a high heat burner and a grill, and a double electric convection oven.

McCauley, there is a load of info about workable pots and pans, just read up the thread.

shelleysrogerspage@hotmail.com
05/07/05

My husband jsut purchased a cast aluminum frying pan. We have a Maytag ceramic top. Does anyone know if I can use a cast aluminum pan?

leonard
05/09/05

Has anyone used a dual fuel gas with elec convec oven? Thinking about buying one

Jo
05/10/05

Does anyone know the "best" pots and pans to use on a ceramic cook top stove?

Mary S
05/11/05

How to tell if pans are okay to use was big question on my mind last year when I first got my glasstop stove. I especially was concerned about when they said not to use anything except perfectly flat-bottomed pans.

Here's what really helped me weed through my existing pans: The person at manufacturer's call center research turned up this: Test pan to see if it heats evenly by putting small amount of water in pan or pot. If it heats evenly across bottom of pan, bubbles will rise all across bottom of pan and not in splotches. If you have a pan that has an area of the pan which has area of bottom which does not have bubbles form when water boils, then that area of pan would have less heat in that area when cooking -- leading to un-even cooking of food.

My favorite pots to use now are a couple of WearEver thick-bottomed Stainless Steel w/ glass lids which I found at Wal-Mart. The big bonus was the fact that these have pour-spouts and the lids have 2-sizes of pouring holes. For 1-2 portions of pasta I use this and don't need a collander! I just need to hold lid on with pot-holder while pouring.

Mary S
05/11/05

Oh, I almost forgot. You should not use enamel-ware on glass-top stoves, because if you let it boil-dry it can fuse to the stove-top. I had a tea-pot do that once to a coil on a conventional stove-top.

I've set aside several old enamel pots for out-side use by the grill -- no more using good pots outside by grill for the barbeque sauce!

Not one to waste anything, I've also found that fry-pans w/ warped bottoms (especially those w/ lids) are great to use instead of trays for by the BBQ for meat after it's cooked. Lid keeps meat warm while 2nd batch cooks, keeps flies off as well.

Marianne
05/11/05

We purchased a Kenmore Elite ceramic top stove with a convection oven in December. I did not want to use my old 27 year old pots on my new stove. Finally in April we puchased a set of pots and pans. We chose All-clad stainless steel. After some research we chose this product because it was NOT made in China and the supberb quality. All-clad is made in Pennslyvania and is quite sturdy. I have used this cookware and I am very satisfied with both my stove and cookware. I am so glad that we purchased All-clad cookware for my ceramic top stove.

lblb313@adelphia.net
05/12/05

i was told that ceramic cream cleaner is the same as using soft scrub. is this true? will it harm the cooktop? and what about 409, it works great for grease so i am wondering if it's safe.
thanks,
l'b

Russruss4100@msn.com
05/13/05

I have a Whirlpool Polara refrigerator range that comes with a ceramic glass top. I have had it for about two years & it looks like new. The secret to keeping the top looking new & clean, is to clean it right after the top cools down. Don’t cook on it again until you clean it. If that too much of a chore, then you are not a candidate for a ceramic glass top. Laziness & a ceramic glass top don’t go together. I use “Cook Top” cream, but that is not important. What is important, is you have to keep after it. It is a commitment. I don’t consider it a chore. I enjoy keeping it looking like new.
I just purchased the Anolon new Titanium cookware set. However, before I purchased it, I did some research about using Titanium on a ceramic glass top. I called Whirlpool & they did not know. They told me to call Anolon. I thought that strange. I then contacted General Electric. They said they have tested Titanium cookware on a ceramic glass top & it was fine. As a final check, I contacted Anolon in Australia & they said “It was suitable for all cook tops except induction”. Ellen, you may want to add “Titanium to your search field. When I enter that term, nothing came up. Titanium is the wave of the future & people will be interested on how it can be used.

Kay
05/13/05

Well... my CONSCIENCE has brought me back to this site...

Yep, I read all the information above BEFORE I purchased my Kenmore Schott Ceran Grey Speckled Smooth Top Stove and I really THOUGHT that I was going to be one of the success stories.

I am not. It has me beat. I was arrogant, I admit it.

Before YOU buy, please consider the percentages here. How many people LOVE them to how many HATE them. It's just that simple - the "Odds" are you are not going to be completely happy with this setup.

If you love to scrub and scrub all day, you are probably a good candidate. Remember that the bottom of your cookware will need to be scrubbed, no throwing it into the dishwasher. Also, you must wait for the top to cool down before cleaning up - I get distracted by the waiting... I am a clean as you go type.

ALSO: I used the correct gauge stainless steel flat bottomed pans and still managed to have some of the speckled pattern come off - I have the 5 year warranty through Sears, and will eventually ask for a new top, but I am waiting around first to see what else breaks.

I have tried all kinds of cleaners - for me, they all seem to still take a lot of elbow grease. I was told NOT to use a razor blade, but heck, if everybody else it doing it, than I am going to give it a try too. (Remember, my pattern is already wearing off, so what have I to lose?)

If you read all this and still feel up to the "CHALLENGE" - then, I do absolutely recommend an extended warranty!

They do not make appliances like they used to. We bought this house new 9 years ago - at 7 years all the appliances began to die and they were top line stuff... I am finding the quality of the replacements is yet again inferior to what we bought 9 years ago... again, top of line in price range. It is very frustrating, as I have friends and family that are happily using appliances that are 20+ years old, seems like they "forgot" how to make a good appliance about 20 years ago.

Peggycrazybustwo@cs.com
05/14/05

aluminum cook ware
what is the best way to clean pots that are black from cooking over camp fires?

Michelemnunnzio@yahoo.com
05/15/05

I made the same mistake as Carla, who posted on 12/4/04. I put aluminum foil on the bottom of my 2.5 month old Frigidaire oven. The foil has melted in the middle and I'm unable to scrape off. The oven is still under warranty, but I'm not sure if it would be covered since I just found a small paragraph in the manual stating to not line the oven with foil. Any ideas? I'll find out next week if it's covered under warranty.

karenkarenwr7@hotmail.com
05/15/05

For the past 5 plus years I have had the Maytag Gemini and the control panel has just blown out and will cost almost $500 to fix. I am going to purchase a new range and looking at a Kenmore Elite but it has a white top where my Maytag was grey. I am worried about stains. Does anyone have this type of stove and do they have problems keeping it clean. I have to get a stove in the next couple days. PLEASE HELP

ellen
05/16/05

My webmaster keeps telling me to archive this thread, but I love reading it and it is clear you all do too! Thanks so much for all the info.

The very best way to clean aluminum pots over the campfire is to coat them with liquid soap and let it dry BEFORE cooking, The soot gets on the soap instead of the pot and comes off very easily (yes, I was once a Girl Scout). If it is too late, it is time for an abrasive soapy cleaner and lots of elbow grease. If the pans are fairly thick, you might consider buffing it off iwth power tools...

gracebarefootcater@yahoo.com
05/16/05

I have stains on my white ceramic stove top and the creme does not remove. Can you tell me what to use to remove these stains.

Marianne
05/17/05

Karen, I have an almond kenmore elite ceramic top stove, almost white, and really love it! After I cook on it, I let it cool and then clean it with the cleaner that came with the stove. I used only a little bit it each time and the bottle lasted several months. We purcased the stove in December and it is sparkling! If you clean it right away I believe it will stay like new. Also the cleaner leaves a wax-like coating which protects the ceramic top. My stove also has a convection oven. I am really thrilled with this stove and very satisfied with its performance.

Michelemichele_nunnally@hotmail.com
05/18/05

Good news, the oven bottom is being replaced(melted aluminum) through the warranty!

Marine1
05/20/05

I also have a white ceramic stove top and last week I also got stains on it that I couldn't get off with using the cream and paper towel. I coated it again with the cream and let it set a few minutes and used a flat edged blade and scraped most of it off. Then put more cream on it and got the rest with the paper towel.

My owners manual warns not to spill sugar on your stove top and if you do, clean it off immediately or it will pit the top.

Also not to use aluminium bottom or glass cookware as they can scratch the glass. Copper bottom can also leave stains that must be cleaned off right away. Many stains not gotten off before using the stove again, can make the stains permanent

douglasdouglas.p@which.net
05/21/05

I came across this site while browsing for recipes and send my greetings from across the
water.
My heart goes out to all you lovely ladies with ceramic hob problems. I learnt to cook on gas and still consider it best, but on moving to sheltered accommodation, all electric, had to learn to cook again. I found the coil plates difficult to control and simmering or slow cooking impossible without constant attention,
I invested in a BOSCH ceramic hob, black with touch controls. It's wonderland! Although I now
live alone cooking has become my second hobby
after playing on my pc.
I bought a new set of Viners stainless steel copper bottomed pans which work perfectly with
the hob. Now I can simmer, slow cook, and do all the things I used to do on gas.
Cleaning is no problem, I use a ceramic hob cream from the local supermart and if I spill on a hotplate use the scraper provided.
I clean the pans inside and out, particularly the bottoms.

Ybo
05/23/05

I just get a ceramic cook top. Two 6 inches, and two 8 inches. It doesn't produce enough heat. It is very hard to do the stir fries. The surface is too smooth, so the cookware is always move away from the center.

My big complain is that it doesn't produce enough heat, and it keeps turn off automatically. Frustrated.

I'm going to get my old Electric coil back.

gary
05/24/05

AS I MENTIONED AWHILE BACK, I AM ON MY SECOND FLAT TOP STOVE...I STILL HATE THEM...I WILL ADMIT THIS ONE IS EASIER TO CLEAN THAN THE 1st ONE...THAT IS ONLY BECAUSE I HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE IN CLEANING THEM NOW...MY STOVE IS A KENMORE AND I HAVE THE 5 YEAR REPAIR CONTRACT ON IT...THAT IS WHY I AM ON MY SECOND ONE...SEARS REPLACED THE FIRST ONE...I WILL SAY THIS, I HAVE 2 YEARS AND 10 MONTHS LEFT ON MY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT...WHEN THAT COMES TO AN END SO DOES THE FLAT TOP...I AM GOING BACK TO A COIL STOVE...

Marine1Marine01@cox.net
05/24/05

I think I have found out why my cook top get such bad marks on it after cooking when I haven't spilled anything on it and the bottom of the pans were clean.

I have been wiping up the marks with a paper towel and cream. Then I wipe the cream off with the towel. But I haven't been using water to make sure I get it all off. I think this is what has been making all those burn like marks on the cook top.

If there are others out there as dumb as I, do yourself a favor, make sure you finish it off using water and a towel or cloth to get all that cream off you don't see.

Maureenmjs1938@aol.com
05/25/05

I have just bought a ceramic cook top, and when discussing cookware with the assistant at a local department store, she told me that she has used Bartender's Helper on her cermaic stove top for several years and that it works like a charm. No problems, ever.

Betty Cablecbcab;e@xtn.net
05/27/05

reverware pressure cooker
e need a gasket for a 4qt. reverware pressure cooker can you help me i can't find one any where

Betty Cablecbcable@xtn.net
05/27/05

reverware pressure cooker
i need a gasket for a 4qt. reverware pressure cooker can you help me i can't find one any where

Russ
05/28/05

Ellen,
Your search field has not been updated to include the term "titanium". I just checked again & it is not there.

ellen
05/29/05

Russ, the search engine used for this site only reads the first 500 words or so of the page. This thread is way longer. If you want a titanium search, you need to "open a new 'titanium' thread".

julie
06/01/05

glass pots andpans
I am another person looking for the glass pots andpans, where did they go to? I can't find them anywhere but flea markets.

Tracy
06/01/05

I have a black kenmore smooth top self cleaning oven, I love my stove it cooks like a dream. But, I have some kind of burnt on or maybe carmelized stuff that I just can not get off of it. Any suggestions?

Tracy
06/01/05

How can I get another copy of my instructions for my Kenmore smooth top self cleaning stove?

ellen
06/01/05

Sears will sell you a new stove manual through their parts store. The cleaning questions are discussed at length in this thread- please read for ideas.

Angie
06/03/05

Well, I didn't replace my brand new smoothtop with a coil because I would have lost close to $200 to do so. I have had it for over 4 months now and still hate it. The oven cooks like a dream but they can keep the smoothtops. When we remodel the kitchen in about five years, I'm thinking of replacing this stove with a dual fuel model...gas cooktop and electric oven with convection, only because I've only had electric ovens. Does anyone have any advice on differences in gas or electric ovens? Don't want to make any more major mistakes like I did buying a smoothtop. Thanks for any help.

Greg
06/04/05

We have had our Kenmore(made by Frigidare) white ceramic top stove for over a month now a love it. i have had burnt on stains after long periods of cooking on the burner areas, but once the top cools down, apply the cream and looks new again.
i do admit it took some getting used to initally with the heating element and how high/low to turn during cooking, but after a couple meals, i am cooking like i was with my old coil burners. Our pans are a variety of T-Fal brand, heavy flat bottoms i think are the key to heat distribution.
My actual gripe is with the oven- it takes 15 minutes to preheat, the 8 yr old Maytag coil range we had took half that time. But once we are baking food comes out fine.
I found this site just after we purchased our Cermaic top and wondered if i had made a mistake in making the switch, but i am glad i bought in now after using it. Can't beat the ease of cleaning and way it looks in our kitchen.
It is just one of those things in life you either love it or hate it-there is no in between. So if you are unsure, just ask a friend who has one and try it out for yourself before you buy.

Wendywenlin1688@aol.com
06/09/05

Coil cook top
The coil on my cooktop broke today while I was cooking and melted a hole on the bottom of my steel pan. I have been using coil cooktop for so many years and this is the first time a coil burnt out. Is this normal? I am a little scared.

ellen
06/10/05

I had a coil blow up and spatter the kitchen and me with scorching metal bits... no obvious reason. The coils can be replaced if the stove top was not affected.

Davedbelz@aol.com
06/13/05

Two sure-fire ceram top cleaning tips:
1. Put on a stainless steel pot of water that completely covers the stain or baked on food. Turn the burner on HIGH for five minutes. Turn off and let cool. Remove the pot and wipe up the stain with a damp paper towel.
2. Cover the stain with a paper towel (cool stovetop). Drizzle 1/4 cup clear ammonia on the towel and let sit for 15 minutes. Discard the ammonia towel and wipe with a clean sheet.

Tomniceputt@comcast.net
06/14/05

I just had to post a note here. Reading this thread was a real eye opener. I had a gas top and tired of the messy cleaning all the time and using it almost always made my relatively small kitchen uncomfortably warm. So I bought a Thermador 36" ceramic top a couple of years ago. I do regular serious cooking and everything (cooking, cleaning,maintenance) has been a breeze. Now that I've read this thread, I'm starting to worry (tongue in cheek) about all these things I've not even been aware of in the past. I do use vinegar for occasional boil-overs and it works great. Gas is very nice and I still use it for a 30" grill I also have in my kitchen. Still, my enjoyment of stove top cooking has improved considerably since going to ceramic...as well as the more stylish look in my kitchen. Love your thread, Ellen!

lisalisa_werner@hotmail.com
06/14/05

safeTelement
Angie,
I bought my parents a SafeTelement set for 4 electric coil burners is a aesthethically pleasing cast iron plate that is installed tightly against the existing coil with 3 little brackets. The install time for 4 burners is less than 30 minutes. The price was $94.95 for 4 burner set. The temperature is controlled below ignition of paper and oils which cause most cooking fires. It is a weight off my mind to have one installed for my aging parents. Check out www.pioneeringtech.com to see this neat little product that should be legislated to prevent fires. Electric coils by themselves have no temperature control requirement and can get to 1200F.

ellen
06/14/05

Lisa, Thanks so much for this info, I had not seen these and they will be a godsend for many in the sandwich generation.

Terry
06/15/05

We have a new Jenn-aire glass top, but I don't see many comments, either good or bad, about the stove.

Is it working ok for all you users out there?

ellen
06/15/05

Terry, about halfway down this thread, there is a very unhappy Jennair owner, but I think that is the only brand-specific comment.

Doug
06/17/05

I recently purchased a sears black ceramic cooktop. One of my pans marked stainless apparently had an aluminium core and melted/fused to the cooktop. I am left with a chip in the glass where this occured. Is there any repair short of replacement of the top?

ellen
06/17/05

Neither I nor any of my readers has any suggestions for repair to the coil areas of the cooktop. This is serioua, as it can lead to splitting the top. If this is a recent purchase, you may be able to replace the glass under warranty; dig out your receipts and call sears.

Tomsprtcpy1@aol.com
06/18/05

With genuine due respect, it seems that many folks here take much of what they read too seroiusly. Aside from the issue of whether gas, coil or ceramic is most preferable, I'm disappointed to see so many people allow their judgement to be so dramatically influenced by others 'perceptions' of how something works. Are some folks actually considering returning their recently installed ceramic tops over waht they read? Wow!! While there's considerable interesting information on this fine thread, my counsel to many would be to follow your heart a little more and don't allow your future kitchen experiences to be based soley on well intended but not authoritative opinions.
:-)

Pegpabehn@wcnet.org
06/19/05

Installed an electric smooth-top range when we built our home in 1971. It was an original Corning Glass Top, with the remainder of the range made by Amana. "Corning Counter Range with Self Cleaning Oven" is the name of the range on the top front panel. I have used glass, corningware, Magnalite aluminum, cheap thin aluminum pans, cast iron, stainless steel, a hot water bath kettle as well as a pressure canner. I love the range and range top and have had NO problems with using any of the cookware (all bottoms are flat). And I wash pots and pans by hand and in dishwasher.
Yes, I boil things over and have sprinkled sugar on top the cooking surface. But, after the cooking process or meal preparation -- you clean it up. Using a smooth-top cleaner is a "no brainer." And doesn't "everyone" clean up their range top after regular use? I have not found it a problem in use and/or maintenance. It looks great. My dilemna is this: I need a new part for my oven and cannot find a replacement thermostat since the oven is so old. If anyone can tell me where I can get an OLD "Amana-type -- about circa 1971 thermostat -- I have no desire to change ranges. I had no second doubts about a smooth-top surface until I heard about the surface tops when I started looking for new smooth top ranges and visiting your web-site. Now, I'm trying to find out if my original Corning top is 100% glass and if the "new fangled ceramic tops are a blend of some sort." I've cooked with gas and with electric coils, but prefer my smooth Corning top. It's wonderful and want to keep it.

John
06/21/05

I've had my Magic Chef Model 38HN-6TVW-EV for 14 years. It only had one minor scratch and one small discolored spot until today. I have broken every single one of the Ceramic Top Ten Commandments listed here since I purchased it in 1991.

1. I routinely used uneven bottom pots/pans.
2. I routinely used copper bottom Revere-ware.
3. I used Corning-ware on the burners.
4. I routinely set blazing HOT Corning-ware straight from the hot oven on the cold top ALL the time.
5. I've boiled pots dry many many times.
6. On several occasions, I've left an empty T-Fal pan burning and smoking for more than a couple hours.
7. I've dropped heavy metal objects on the glass top a few times.
8. I've performed canning and pickling over many seasons.
9. More boil-overs and spills than I can count.
10. I routinely used oversized pots/pans on the burners.

BUT I kept it VERY clean. The past 14 years have taught me that beating the hell out of a Ceramic top with no ill effects makes it indestructible.

After all this... 14 years of daily abuse... today I just put a T-fal pan on the main burner to pre-heat just like I've done about 10,000 times before... It heated up in a minute or so, I added my food, I reduced the heat, ..... and TING... Shattered!!! Cracks run though 25% of the top all the way to the edges.

$320 for a new top!

Abuse the hell out of it for 14 years and it breaks while doing something completely benign. Did my luck just run out? Is this Karma? Did my years of abuse weaken the top somehow? Or do these things just break for no reason?

MOST IMPORTANTLY... If I spend the money on a new top and treat it the same as I've always treated it, can I expect another 14 years? Maybe if I treat it better, I'll get more than 14 years...

Any thoughts on this?

sparky
06/21/05

somebody explain this to me...

It's been repeated here over and over that you should never put a hot pan from the oven on a cold ceramic top because it may crack.

How is this?

You get 4 instantly red hot glowing coils under a cold top as soon as you turn them on.

Don't try to tell me that the glass over the burners is different because I know the whole top is the same material all across.

So how the hell is a hot object from the oven on a cold top a problem? Thermal shock couldn't be any worse than the thermal shock of a red hot coil under the cold top. How about middle of winter and your house gets down to 53 degrees overnight because you sleep under an electric blanket. So you now have a very very cold ceramic top. You turn on the burner to make your tea... a 53 degree top heats to 400+ degrees in less than 3 seconds... no problems with thermal shock here.

So a hot pan from oven on a cold top is bad... right, sure.

Please explain.

ellen
06/23/05

Sparky, ask the manufacturers not me, it is their restriction. Several folks writing have cracked their tops with the hot pan on a cold top trick, so there may be a reason for the restriction.
John, you WERE lucky! When replacing, check the thickness of your new glass top. The older ones, it appears, were sturdier, and there are definite differences in the quality of various brands and grades.
Peg, we have a local antique appliance repair place that scrounges up these parts. Check the internet and your nearest large city for these antique and collectable stove repairers- they can usually find what you need.

sparky
06/23/05

Ellen, my question wasn't directed at you or anyone in particular. Maytag told me yesterday that the hot pan causes a thermal shock because the heat hits it instantly. The burners come on more slowly according to them. To me, two seconds doesn't seem slow but I guess that's slower than a hot pot hitting instantly.

It should be noted that my owner's manual says NOTHING about this precaution. Even though I'm out of warranty, I've followed all guidelines as provided to me in my original documentation.

Thank-you!

June B
06/24/05

I had a ceramic cooktop for 4 years and then moved and left it in my old house. I am in the process of getting a new one. I can't believe all he problems with cleaning. I NEVER had a problem cleaning mine and after 4 years the top still looked brand new.

My cleaning method? After every use just polish the top with the ceramic top cleaner. The cleaner should have silicone in it that protects the cooktop the next time you cook. If I had a boilover that I didn't get wiped up while still cooking, I took wet paper towels, put them over the burned-on stuff and just kept them wet until the spill softened up and then polished. If you wait, and don't polish your cooktop daily, you WILL get a mess. Just make it a regular part of your kitchen clean-up, just like wiping off your kitchen table and countertops.

Susan B.
06/26/05

I recently purchased a GE smoothtop slide in range. What a mistake! I was warned about the cookware problem but couldn't believe that something as simple as a range could cause this kind of a problem. I was wrong! None of the choices of new cookware I purchased worked. The range kept cycling on and off no matter what type of pan I used. Even a top of the line calaphon pan that was exactly the correct size didn't work. I couldn't get any pan to provide a rolling boil. I couldn't cook something as simple as scrambled eggs. The stove kept cycling on and off. The GE repair guy checked the range. He told me the range was working as designed. However, he was kind of enough to be very candid about these smoothtops. He said many people do not like these smoothtops but are either not able to complain or are too shy too complain. Well, I'm didn't fall into either category. I tried this range for 10 days. I knew after five days, this wasn't the product for me.I called the appliance store and told them I didn't want it. The sales person didn't want to cooperate but after five phone calls explaining all the problems I had plus all of the information given to me by the repair person, he seemed to realize that I wasn't going to give up and agreed to exchange it for the coil style range. I still can't believe that an everyday item like a range could make people have to fit to it instead of the other way around. As noted in some of the messages listed here, there are people who have come to love their smoothtops.As noted, I'm not one of them. I was very fortunate that I didn't have to live with a product that just doesn't work for me.

Judy
06/28/05

I read the entire site, it's great. I need to know if I can use a griddle with a grid on it to make grill marks) on my new electric cooktop???

Dondminkler@charter.net
06/29/05

I like to use Clorox Soft Scrub to clean my white ceramic stove top because it seems to be a little more effective than the CeramaBryte cleanser that was provided by the manufacturer. My wife claims that the Soft Scrub will scratch the cook top although I haven't noticed any problems in the 3 months that I've been doing it.

Has anyone else used Soft Scrub successfully or unsuccessfully on their ceramic cook top?

The GE website says to only use CeramaBryte but only because "other cleansers will be less effective."

ellen
06/29/05

Dome folks do use soft scrup, but it is fairly high in large grit anrasive which can roughen the surface a bit, causing future pronlems.

The griddle has to have a perfectly flat BOTTOM that makes complete contact with the top. If yours does, it will work. Most of these griddles have a little raised circle arpound the bottom edge that lifts it off the element. These do not work.

Priscillapcbrannon@aol.com
06/29/05

I have a black ceremic top and I need to use a canner, is there anything I can use to set the canner on to get it up off the ceremic top

Lucylucypazdersky@hotmail.com
06/30/05

Hi,
I hope you can help me..PLEASE..my son gave me his ceramic stove because he thought I should have a nice one...well of course I said YES...my problem is the top of the stove is all scratch up and some kind of build up. Well my daughter bought me this cerama bryte and I followed the instructions and it is still there..how do I make the glass smooth..without useing something sharp like a razor...I hope you can help me
Thank You

louise
07/02/05

PLEASE HELP. Where can I find one of these gentlemen that cooks and cleans stoves.

ellen
07/02/05

Yes, Louise, it is a rare phenom.

Lucy, you should read through the thread for some suggestions, but a paintscraper with a razor blade may be your only solution-

lillybelleliketohavefun64@hotmail.com
07/05/05

I've been told that I can't jar fish in my pressure canner on my glass flat top range. Is this true? Please let mre know. Thanks.

lillybelleliketohavefun64@hotmail.com
07/05/05

I've been told that I can't jar fish in my pressure canner on my glass flat top range. Is this true? Please let mre know. Thanks.

Peg
07/05/05

Are the newer smooth tops made of different material(s) than the one made on my 1975 Corning Counterange (By Corning Works, Corning, NY)????? I LOVE the one I have had for the past 30 years!

ellen
07/06/05

Peg, yes, the materials and the weight of the materials differ, you will see several discussions in this thread.

Lillybelle, If you read up the thread, there are several folks who have had trouble with canning and/or pressure cookers, one cracked her top.

Marymiosue@juno.com
07/06/05

I just recently bought my smooth top stove and have heard about the silicone mats that you place on top when you are not using the stove. Does anyone know where they can be purchased?

Susansrugg@juno.com
07/09/05

Bought my new Kenmore smooth top range last month inspite of reading many discouraging postings about them. To all the nervous Nellies out there don't make it so complicated. Get cooking and ENJOY it. I did buy some new Wolfgang Puck pans at TJ Maxx that have the flat bottom but after 30 years cooking with my old pans I deserved new pans. I kept a few of my older pans that aren't the new "flat bottom" style but they still work just fine on the new stove. I have cooked and spilled a lot in the short time I've had it and the clean up is a snap! I'd use the cream and clean a glass top any day vs. going back to the old drip pan style. There is a slight and I say only a slight adjustment but after a few times using it it becomes second nature. Don't wrestle with change... embrace it! Happy Cooking.

Lyndalyndeelu17@cs.com
07/10/05

Can copper bottom pots be used on a ceramic top stove?

Rickrickshel@pacbell.net
07/10/05

Is it possible to pit the surface of a ceramic top just by boiling over a sugary substance? We were at a friend's house and I tried a recipe for ginger ale extract. It boiled over and we have not been able to get the black mark out of the surface. We tried the razor and the white stove top cleaner but the surface looks glassy at the black mark so we are wondering if the top white spotted surface was somehow etched off. We're not sure what to do next because it wasn't our stove! The owners kept it in mint condition prior to this incident. Any suggestions?

Ann
07/12/05

Electronic Ignition stove
I purchased my stove new approx. 8 years ago and no matter how I keep it clean, I am having problems with the ignition lighting the burner. I always have to use a lighter. A technician who serviced my stove stated it was a build up of grease and I cannot figure out how to clean that "little tab with the wire in it". I have even used a toothbrush. This stove is an Amana and I don't know what else to do. I am a clean housekeeper, but I cannot figure how to keep the ignition lighter clean.

Thank you

ellen
07/12/05

Ann, I assume this is a gas stove.
The tech should have cleaned the part with a solvent when it was serviced, this is not a good do it yourself project.
You could replace the part. There are other causes for this problem, and replacement could help,
Have you always had this problem, or did it develop after a few years?

Rick, the simple answer is yes. If it was pristine as you said, it were me I would offer to replace the glass portion- 2-300 dollars- then ask if there is something else you could do.

Lynda, most manufacturers recommend not, neither copper bottom, nor the ones with the aluminum disc. Read through this thread for the discussion.

reekonareekona@sdfdsfg.com
07/16/05

reekona
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